Black Boy by Richard Wright An Introduction to a novel study
The Basics of the Novel released in 1945 about a young boy from the South struggling to grow up (sound like a certain short story?) was edited to sound happier when first published republished in 1991 to include/be much more than a personal coming of age story
Why All the Fuss??! 1945- a way different world than now no black president, no black Disney princess but still very diverse Wright was a black author writing about the world trying to crush his dreams novel was like the 8th undiscovered Harry Potter, becoming 4th best selling novel at the end of 1945
Why Should YOU Care? 2009- U.S. is officially “post-racial”= black president, black Disney princess, and Beyoncé named People’s Most Beautiful Woman Racism is over, right??! Why a book to tell you how bad it was, again? not just about racism Ever had a dream that people said was impossible? Black Boy was written to all who said Wright couldn't make it and all those who feel like him. novel encourages: Don’t act like every expects you to. Don’t do what everyone assumes you will do. Find your own path. Clear your own way
Major Themes racism movement and dislocation hunger, illness, and suffering religion: Christianity and “being saved” reading and writing society and the individual