Think of the title of your book... What do you think of the title? How well does the title convey what the book is about? Please tell your group a title YOU would choose for the book.
I do not think the title is a good choice for the book. When I first saw the title I believed it was about a Native American boy. A title I would choose for the book is Fear of the White .
I find the title to be an interesting way, of which, Wright conveys the cornucopia of subtly woven messages of such unfathomable magnitude. While, I too, was initially led astray by the "native" portion, as I immediately associate the Native Americans; however, I can deduce with the knowledge I current withhold, that, "Native Son" indicates that, just like any hard-working american, humans much like Bigger are essential to the foundations of our country, yet are somehow caught in the cyclone of unjust intolerance enforced by a prejudiced society. The story we read, the reality that stood, and even Bigger himself is the product of years upon years of such a tempestuous storm. However, while he may be the product of such, it **does not** define him. If I were to title this book, I'd probably title it something along the lines of "Martyr's Sin", as it is a great paradox...at least I think.
I feel as though Native Son doesn't have a clear meaning. I think Wright named it this because Bigger is the average 20 year old black male for the time. Bigger is a Native from his ancestors and is the son of society. Native Son represents Biggers relatonship with others.
I partially agree with this. At first, "Native Son" doesn't exactly have a clear meaning because when you first hear the title, your mind automatically jumps to Native Americans. You really have to stop and think for a minute - the book definition of "native" is a person born in a specified place or associated with a place by birth, whether subsequently resident there or not (noun), or associated with the country, region, or circumstances of a person's birth (adjective). Looking at these definitions, you are able to further analyze the title and come to the conclusion that Bigger is native to America - he's been there his whole life. He is a "product" of American society, thus the "son" portion of the title. The title is basically saying that Bigger is a product of his native home - America.
I think that "Native Son" is an appropriate name for the book. Bigger is a "Native Son" of America. He is what his environment and American culture has shaped him to be. Although the title "Native Son" suits the book and Bigger as a character, I think that "Trapped" would be a good alternative title because Bigger feels trapped in society and that he has no place. He is trapped in his emotions of anger and fear.
I think that the title native son can be taken many different ways. The way i see it, is that Bigger might see himself as a native, not educated and lacking. When the British came over here to America, the Natives didn't stand a chance against them. This might be stretching, but this is how I see it.
I do not think the title is a good choice for the book. When I first saw the title I believed it was about a Native American boy. A title I would choose for the book is Fear of the White .
ReplyDeleteI feel as though NAtive Son was a good title because it shows how Bigger is Native to the community and how his relations with the white are.
DeleteI can see how this conclusion could be gotten. I had thought the same thing before I had started reading.
DeleteI find the title to be an interesting way, of which, Wright conveys the cornucopia of subtly woven messages of such unfathomable magnitude. While, I too, was initially led astray by the "native" portion, as I immediately associate the Native Americans; however, I can deduce with the knowledge I current withhold, that, "Native Son" indicates that, just like any hard-working american, humans much like Bigger are essential to the foundations of our country, yet are somehow caught in the cyclone of unjust intolerance enforced by a prejudiced society. The story we read, the reality that stood, and even Bigger himself is the product of years upon years of such a tempestuous storm. However, while he may be the product of such, it **does not** define him. If I were to title this book, I'd probably title it something along the lines of "Martyr's Sin", as it is a great paradox...at least I think.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this
DeleteI feel as though Native Son doesn't have a clear meaning. I think Wright named it this because Bigger is the average 20 year old black male for the time. Bigger is a Native from his ancestors and is the son of society. Native Son represents Biggers relatonship with others.
ReplyDeleteI like this title but "Me and Them" would be a good title.
DeleteI partially agree with this. At first, "Native Son" doesn't exactly have a clear meaning because when you first hear the title, your mind automatically jumps to Native Americans. You really have to stop and think for a minute - the book definition of "native" is a person born in a specified place or associated with a place by birth, whether subsequently resident there or not (noun), or associated with the country, region, or circumstances of a person's birth (adjective). Looking at these definitions, you are able to further analyze the title and come to the conclusion that Bigger is native to America - he's been there his whole life. He is a "product" of American society, thus the "son" portion of the title. The title is basically saying that Bigger is a product of his native home - America.
DeleteI think that "Native Son" is an appropriate name for the book. Bigger is a "Native Son" of America. He is what his environment and American culture has shaped him to be. Although the title "Native Son" suits the book and Bigger as a character, I think that "Trapped" would be a good alternative title because Bigger feels trapped in society and that he has no place. He is trapped in his emotions of anger and fear.
ReplyDeleteI can see how this makes sense. The way Bigger portrays himself shows that he is being held back by himself more than anyone else.
DeleteI like you're thinking here. Bigger is a product of American society. If that environment created a monster - that society is culpable.
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ReplyDeleteI think that the title native son can be taken many different ways. The way i see it, is that Bigger might see himself as a native, not educated and lacking. When the British came over here to America, the Natives didn't stand a chance against them. This might be stretching, but this is how I see it.
ReplyDelete