#comment7

I also think that your phrase “inner tensions” is really helpful in describing those internal conflicts felt by many of the characters in the things we’ve read this semester.

I find “sex is the only way he knows how” in reference to Bigger a little problematic. It takes the responsibility off of him. While it is clear that Bigger is a victim of oppression, it is problematic to excuse him from accountability for what he did do. It could be argued that his actions are not his fault, or that they are not entirely his fault, however I believe that he must be held accountable to some degree, and I believe that all people know a better way to take control of their lives than rape. If they can actually implement better ways in reality is another question altogether. I read Bigger’s violence as an act of rebellion more so than an act of taking control. While he certainly was attempting to take control, I do not believe that destruction and violence are a way to take control. It may be a way to feel temporary control, or temporary dominance, but ultimately it is more so an act of rebellion.

Also, I know that as a class, we have decided that Tracy indeed did rape Nonnie, however I still believe that he tried and failed to “complete” it. I think that this might say something slightly different about these two men and the plots of the two novels. Tracy’s failure may indicate that he is unable to take control, while Bigger’s successful rebellion indicates that he is able to take control. This may lead to a negative reading of Strange Fruit, for example: Tracy was ineffective in taking control, and by rebelling he caused more problems than solving them.

Comment 8, Response to Richard Wright: Black Power by Frannie Gilligan

Thank you for posting about this, Frannie. I think that it is helpful to have the historical context of the author’s upbringing and later life to better understand the forces influencing their writing.

I was surprised to learn that Wright had travelled so much, and internationally as well. It sounds like some of those factors, specifically his travel, influenced his writing and his ability to look at America objectively.

Perhaps his upbringing also increased his desire for rebellion and led to increased support for and involvement with the Black Power Movement. Since he had suffered firsthand from some of the problems black Southerners faced in the early 20th century, like poverty, he had concrete experience that he wished to put a stop to.

I was surprised to learn that he was such an important figure in the Black Power Movement as well. I always find it surprising that these figures, who are undoubtedly important in a wide historical perspective, are often missing from our history textbooks in school. I do not believe I studied the Black Power Movement in detail when in middle school or high school, and it is always a little startling to realize how much I missed.