Readings on Native son

KLIATT

Of course, these need to be purchased as needed for individual schools depending on the curriculum. Since Native Son is probably more frequently assigned in high schools than Twelve Angry Men, I will describe the collection of readings on Wright's work. After a biography of the author and a summary of the characters and plot, the readings are divided into four chapters, with 18 selections in all. Here are the chapter titles: The Art of Native Son; Characters in Native Son; The Power of Place in Native Son; Religion, Racism, and Violence: Themes in Native Son. Almost all the contributors are college professors. The first chapter has readings on imagery used by Wright—the Christian cross, looming walls, blindness. The chapter about characters discusses, for example, why the female characters (both black and white) reflect more positive values that balance the harsh reality of Bigger. The last chapter addresses larger themes of racism, violence, revolt, and oppression. These collections are helpful to teachers as well as students. (The Greenhaven Press Literary Companion to American Literature). KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2000, Greenhaven, 156p, bibliog, index, 99-055869, 23cm, $14.96. Ages 16 to adult. Reviewer: Claire Rosser; January 2001 (Vol. 35 No. 1)