Have you ever read Native Son by Richard Wright?

Question

Did you want the character punished for his wrongs, did you feel they were justified, or did you want him to get away with it all? Don't put too many spoilers, I'm only done with about half of the book.

Answer 1

When I read Native Son, as brilliant as I thought the novel was, I almost wished I were not reading it, for I did not want to face up to the reality it represented. I had not expected the novel to be as brutal and as candid as it turned out to be.

It wasn't that I wanted Bigger to be punished or to go free. What I wanted was for Bigger to be understood as himself. What I wanted was to live in a society that understood the Biggers and the conditions in which Bigger and the other characters lived.

As well as I remember the book, and how gripping it was when I read it, I have to admit I do not remember how it ended. I vaguely remember being dissatisfied with the ending, but also knowing that no satisfying ending would be possible.

I just read a review of the book written by a reader in 1999. It reminded me of my own responses.

http://www.dougshaw.com/Reviews/review20.html

I wish you would share your responses with us when you finish reading the book.

Answer 2

why do you think he isn't punished?