Richard wright African American writer and poet Sept. 4, 1908 – November 28, 1960

Early Childhood Raised by his motherRaised by his mother In Roxie, MississippiIn Roxie, Mississippi Dad left when he was 5Dad left when he was 5 His grandparents were slavesHis grandparents were slaves Showed he had interest in vocabulary, words, and readingShowed he had interest in vocabulary, words, and reading Only completed school up until the 9 th gradeOnly completed school up until the 9 th grade Laws on blacks using public libraries were in full motionLaws on blacks using public libraries were in full motion To continue learning his interest he used a coworker’s library cardTo continue learning his interest he used a coworker’s library card Lived with his uncle when his mom had a stroke when he was 12.Lived with his uncle when his mom had a stroke when he was 12. Left her unable to care for himLeft her unable to care for him Lived with his grandparents for a short timeLived with his grandparents for a short time They enforced religion onto him, which eventually plays a roll in his future religious beliefs.They enforced religion onto him, which eventually plays a roll in his future religious beliefs. Published his first short story at the age of 16 in the African- American newspaper.Published his first short story at the age of 16 in the African- American newspaper.

Turning Point MAJOR SUCCESS! MAJOR SUCCESS! Uncle Tom’s ChildrenUncle Tom’s Children Published in 1938Published in 1938 A collection of 4 storiesA collection of 4 stories AutobiographicalAutobiographical The Ethics of Living Jim CroweThe Ethics of Living Jim Crowe Earned $500 from Story Magazine and a fellowshipEarned $500 from Story Magazine and a fellowship

Other Successes Native SonNative Son Published in 1940Published in 1940 Tells the story of Bigger Thomas, an African American in his 20’s.Tells the story of Bigger Thomas, an African American in his 20’s. Opened the doors for his to write whatever he wantedOpened the doors for his to write whatever he wanted Considered a well known author after this bookConsidered a well known author after this book First book to EVER be nominated for the Book of the month clubFirst book to EVER be nominated for the Book of the month club

Other Successes Black BoyBlack Boy Published in 1945Published in 1945 More serious book of them allMore serious book of them all Another autobiography, but this time on his childhood in the SouthAnother autobiography, but this time on his childhood in the South Tells personal tales of poverty and racial violenceTells personal tales of poverty and racial violence Well known book has made his reputation as an author much more credible and worthy.Well known book has made his reputation as an author much more credible and worthy.

Later years Moved to Mexico in 1940Moved to Mexico in 1940 He became disaffiliated with the communist partyHe became disaffiliated with the communist party In 1946 he fled to ParisIn 1946 he fled to Paris Continued writing many great books including The Outsider (1953), Black Power (1954), The Long Dream (1958), etc..Continued writing many great books including The Outsider (1953), Black Power (1954), The Long Dream (1958), etc.. He then died of a heart attack in France in 1960.He then died of a heart attack in France in 1960.

Time period Witnessed first hand:Witnessed first hand: Jim Crowe LawsJim Crowe Laws Great DepressionGreat Depression Writing during this period caused him to strive for changeWriting during this period caused him to strive for change Being black and an author made times hard because jobs were hard to come byBeing black and an author made times hard because jobs were hard to come by Also hard for him to receive credit from all peopleAlso hard for him to receive credit from all people All of his books deal with change from what he has been through or a vision of a better world.All of his books deal with change from what he has been through or a vision of a better world. “I want my life to count for something”-Wright told a friend“I want my life to count for something”-Wright told a friend

The confessions of nat turner Similarities and differences:Similarities and differences: They both grew up pretty much alone, switching homes all the timeThey both grew up pretty much alone, switching homes all the time Nat having different masters and Wright having different parental figuresNat having different masters and Wright having different parental figures Wright goes through the hardships of post slavery, while Nat experiences slavery first handWright goes through the hardships of post slavery, while Nat experiences slavery first hand Nat is religious, referencing God for many situationsNat is religious, referencing God for many situations When his plan for rebellion goes incredibly wrong he doubts God’s plan for his lifeWhen his plan for rebellion goes incredibly wrong he doubts God’s plan for his life This is very unlike Wright who merely did not believe in religionThis is very unlike Wright who merely did not believe in religion They both share the theme of changeThey both share the theme of change Nat wants to see change happen around him, and relies heavily on “God’s path”Nat wants to see change happen around him, and relies heavily on “God’s path” Wright used his literature to illuminate the problems associated with his time periodWright used his literature to illuminate the problems associated with his time period He foresaw change.He foresaw change.