Literature-In-English Paper 2 WASSCE (PC 2ND), 2018

    Question 5                              

    RICHARD WRIGHT: Native Son

    How does the media respond to the disappearance of Mary Dalton in the novel?


Observation

A few candidates attempted this question.  However, many of them merely narrated Bigger’s outing with Mary and his killing her. They failed to mention the irony of their relationship and Bigger’s misunderstanding of Mary’s friendly approach.

The required answers should include:

  • The anxiety of the media for information about the disappearance of Mary Dalton.
  • Bigger becoming apprehensive because of the invasion of the media.
  • The media responses leading to Bigger’s flight.
  • Media response showing racism.
  • Media response predetermining the trial.

Candidates’ performance in this question was poor.