Literature-In-English Paper 2 WASSCE (PC), 2016

Question 5

RICHARD WRIGHT: Native Son

The theme of the novel is Bigger’s search for identity. Discuss.


Observation

Many candidates attempted this question. However, most of them dwelt on the character sketch of Bigger Thomas and the crimes he committed instead of his search for identity.

The following points were expected from the candidates:

  • Bigger’s family background, the death of his father and his responsibilities as the first son of the family.
  • Bigger’s realisation of his ambition to be a pilot may not come to fruition as a result of factors such as, race, money and, law.
  • Bigger’s acceptance of his role as a driver to the Daltons, give him an identity as a driver rather than a criminal.
  • Circumstances that lead to Bigger’s murder of Mary Dalton and his attempts to cover it up.

 

Candidates’ performance in this question was poor.