Can you tell me the purpose/intent of The Man Who Lived Underground by Richard Wright?

Question

All help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

When Richard Wright wrote this book ,his intention (the intent) was to give something to read, to people. So, go ahead and read it.
(Here's your "purpose/intent". Don't thank me now, you'll thank me later, if you actually read that literary work.)

Answer 2

The purpose of the story is to show what Fred's character (and others like him) have to contend with in the social world. His outward appearance (his "blackness") causes a sense of innate guilt within him that leads him to the police station and to his death. He attempts to live outside society - underground - using social markers (like the watch, money, etc.) for decoration rather than for their "commercial"/social purpose, which lends him the freedom he so craves, at least for a little while. However, the "guilt" gnaws at him and he lives in constant fear and anxiety, which eventually leads him to an inevitable death, and some kind of "escape."

Answer 3

He wanted to be free from any sort of external control. He wanted personal freedom. He took pleasure in stealing from the 'monopolistic power company.'