What types of things does Richard "hunger" for
and what are the effects (positive and negative) of hunger?
Throughout the book, Richard has both physical hunger and mental hunger. Although his deepest desire is for the freedom to do as he pleases. Richard causes great rifts to form between him and many others because of his actions, but he also gets closer and closer to achieving his freedom.
Richard often argues that his beatings are unfair, showing his need for independence. At one time, Richard's uncle threatens to beat him, but Richard fights back. Richard's threat to slice his uncle with a razor blade is only his way of preserving the little freedom he already has. Richard tells his uncle, "'I didn't mean to hurt your feelings this morning,' I told him. 'you insist I did. Now, I'll be damned if I'm going to be beaten because of your hurt feelings'"(Wright 159). Richard wants to be independent, and make his own life, so he'll bow down to no one.
Although, Richard did not always have the freedom he longed for. I'll go back to the incident with the kitten to explain this. Richard was told early on that his parents' words were law, and that he should never disobey them. Many children who grow up like that are subservient and docile, but Richard knows, deep within, that that is not the way he wants to live. Richard takes His father's words literally, but he explains later on why he did just what he did. Mr Wright explains, "I had had my first triumph over my father. I had made him believe that I had taken his words literally. He could not punish me without risking his authority" (12). This is really when Richard gains his first taste of free life, and where his hunger begins.
Richard Wright constantly longed for freedom in his life, and he used his disestablishmentarianistic approach to life to gain the freedom he needed. Although this caused rifts, such as his uncle forbidding his family to talk to Richard, he was able to finally gain the freedom he hungered for.
Richard often argues that his beatings are unfair, showing his need for independence. At one time, Richard's uncle threatens to beat him, but Richard fights back. Richard's threat to slice his uncle with a razor blade is only his way of preserving the little freedom he already has. Richard tells his uncle, "'I didn't mean to hurt your feelings this morning,' I told him. 'you insist I did. Now, I'll be damned if I'm going to be beaten because of your hurt feelings'"(Wright 159). Richard wants to be independent, and make his own life, so he'll bow down to no one.
Although, Richard did not always have the freedom he longed for. I'll go back to the incident with the kitten to explain this. Richard was told early on that his parents' words were law, and that he should never disobey them. Many children who grow up like that are subservient and docile, but Richard knows, deep within, that that is not the way he wants to live. Richard takes His father's words literally, but he explains later on why he did just what he did. Mr Wright explains, "I had had my first triumph over my father. I had made him believe that I had taken his words literally. He could not punish me without risking his authority" (12). This is really when Richard gains his first taste of free life, and where his hunger begins.
Richard Wright constantly longed for freedom in his life, and he used his disestablishmentarianistic approach to life to gain the freedom he needed. Although this caused rifts, such as his uncle forbidding his family to talk to Richard, he was able to finally gain the freedom he hungered for.
4 comments:
Aliza - great, lengthy writing. I like how you keep your points and thesis very clear.
In addition to your second paragraph, I want to say that not only did Richard desire independence, but righteousness and fair treatment. I believe Richard mentions that he rebelled his uncle's threat - only because it was unjust. He'd never rose against punishments he felt he "deserved".
Also, I hope you would've elaborated more on Richard's bodily hunger, although it is a bit obvious.
Finally, nice word choice, specifically your use of "disestablishmentarianistic" (although I highly doubt it is a word). Great job.
Wow. My blog feels bad next to yours. I like how even though you go into detail in your blog, you keep your sentences clear and concise. Very good thoughts!
That is sooo good! It is really well written and your ideas are really unique. Everyone else said things like literal hunger and equality and such, but this is the first time anyone said anything about independence and freedom.
~Mounica
alizar...
I liked your choice of words and topic. I think that independence is a key issue in this book. there is a constant pattern of power, abuse, and rebellion throughout Richard's Life. But, by killing the cat, he is destroying his own cause. He is showing us that he should not be allowed independence because he does not yet have proper judgment. So, his hunger, which started out innocent, has been tainted with even more innocent blood.
Post a Comment