"He shoved his hands deep into his pockets; he stood in a peculiar attitude that allowed him to respond at once to whatever they said or did and at the same time to be outside and away from them" (146-147).
In the above quotation, Bigger describes watching Mr. Dalton and Mr. Britten break the lock on Mary's trunk. How is Bigger's physical position in this scene representative of his position in the Dalton household and in society? How does this "position" allow Bigger to maneuver and enact his plan? Cite specific examples from the text.
I am not sure how Bigger's physical position is representative of his position in the Dalton household. The only thing i can think to relate it to is his peculiar attitude in the mens presence is similar to the peculiar reason that Bigger killed Mary. Maybe Bigger will use his "insanity" to make everyone believe his version of the story of Mary's disappearance.
ReplyDeleteBigger's physical appearance represents his position in the Dalton household and society because he is able to be seen if he wants to. He can play the background role and observe everything or he can engage in conversations to show that he is there. This coincides with when Mr. Britten was there to question Bigger about what happened. He was "standing discreetly to one side, away from the two white men" (Wright 146). This position allowed him to be noticed if he wanted to be noticed or fade into the background just as he does in the Dalton household and society.
ReplyDeleteThe way bigger is represented in front of the Dalton's and society is being a black man that's just waiting to take orders. Bigger doesn't really speak unless he's spoken to because he's afraid that he'll say the wrong thing; so he just sit back and observe things that are happening. As stated on page 147,"...he decided to play safe and speak only when he was spoken to,"
ReplyDeleteBigger's physical position is still that he thinks he is smarter than everyone. For example, when Britton turned the trunk over and bent to it to try to work the lock, Bigger thought, "I got to be careful" (Wright page 147.) Also when Mr. Britton told Bigger to sit down because he wanted to ask him some questions, Bigger knew that Birtton was there to investigate what had happened to Mary. So he thought, "This was an examination." He would have to point his answers away from himself quite definitetly" (Wright page 148.)He maintained the same position almost of arrogance.
ReplyDeleteBigger is now beginning to feel more and more powerful as he is controlling is plan that he is coming up with. Gaining more power, comes more confidence in oneself. Bigger is feeling more confident in himself, and is shown every time Mr. Britten decides to question Bigger. Bigger does not hesitate or stumble over any words when he is answering questions. In order to stay in control, Bigger knows he will have to stay ahead of Mr. Britten and the rest of his opponents. In preparation to do so, Bigger thinks of how he will word his answers and how much information he will release before he says anything.
ReplyDeleteThis position that Bigger is in is synonymus to his position in the Dalton's household and in society because in the Dalton's household and the eyes of society he is perceived as innocent. Bigger's actions let's him be perceived as innocent in their world but in his he's thinking of ways to keep them confused and unaware of how guilty he really is. Mr. Dalton even goes on to say "But he's sort of a problem boy. He's not really bad." (154) It's as though Bigger is two people and his personas couple with one another. This causes him to maneuver and enact his plan because the Dalton household and society is blind to his capabilities. Bigger even goes on to downplay society saying that "They might think the reds doing it. They won't think we did. They don't think we got enough guts to do it. The think niggers is too scared...." (139)
ReplyDeleteI think this position is very representative of the position Bigger holds in the household and society. Bigger is kind of in the background, but not completely out of sight. Bigger can stand out of the way, or he can be noticed, just as in every other situation he is out in. This allows him to observe and see how to proceed with his story. On page 147, the narrator states the Bigger decides to "play it safe". Bigger won't give any information, nor will he impose on the two men, so he stands back to watch the drama unfold before him.
ReplyDeleteBigger is tense and fret at the moment because he secret is being unravel and soon the truth will come out. Its also hard for Bigger to be in an areas where the white people are surrounding him and knowing that his fate will be in the hands of the people he hates the most. Bigger is also nervous because blaming the black man for something would have been the easiest thing to do but the fact that he's helping them to discover the truth about Mary death that he cover up is unbearable and insane for a person to do. Bigger would have to have Dissociative identity disorder in order to show any regret about the situation. i feel like Bigger will crack soon and confess everything or even kill himself. on page 139-140 Bigger is feeling guilt about the killing.The sentences reads out "He turned abruptly and walk away from her. Bigger!; She ran over the snow and tugged at his sleeve. he stopped but did not turn around. I feel like Bigger's lies are coming to an end
ReplyDeleteBigger was getting nervous as Britten kept asking him questions about the incident. He was afraid that he might get caught for murdering Mary. When Bigger stood there with his hand in his pocket waiting and responding the the question Britten asked him, it relates to his position in Mr. Dalton household. They both represent innocence. In book two, Wright wrote,"They wanted him to draw the picture and he would draw it like he wanted it. He was trembling with excitement. In the past had they not always drawn the picture for him? He could tell them anything he wanted and what could they do about it? It was his word against Jan's, and Jan was red" (Wright 149). Bigger is excited that he get to take control when Britten asked him questions about the incident. He think he can shape the reality of the whites by lying as if they have always shaped his life.
ReplyDeleteJennifer Tran Week 5
ReplyDeleteThroughout the story, Bigger stands back in a way and waits for the people around him to act so he can act accordingly. For example, when Bigger and his crew were planning to rob Blum’s store, Bigger was deciding what to do base on Gus’s answer. “He had handled things just right so far; all but Gus had consented…he watched Gus and waited for him” (27-28.) Bigger waited to see what Gus would do and he answered based on Gus’s actions. That’s why when Gus entered Doc’s poolroom right before the boys were about to rob Blum’s, Bigger staged a fight with Gus just to get out of the situation. He reacted accordingly to how Gus acted. Bigger plays the same role in the Dalton household. He is able to participate in their conversations by putting on a mask, but he keeps himself separate from everyone in order to make his escape. Another example would be when Bigger meets Peggy in the furnace room. “He moved slightly and quickly toward the shovel and waited to see what would happen” (111.) Even though he interacted with Peggy, Bigger kept himself in the shadow so he can immediately pop into action. Therefore, Bigger uses his “position” every time he senses trouble; it helps him to go through his plan.
Bigger considers appearence to be a big responsibility around people such as Mr. Dalton, so he acts as if he is brighter than anyone around him. he has a mild bostful attitude when he's around people of that sort. He certainly thinks that his physical appearance portrays a certain characteristic. To him deep within this is only a disguise himself. By his disclosing and owning this type of behavior at this present time it would draw uncertain attention to him and the circumstances of the already existing situation.
ReplyDeleteThe way Bigger stands off to the side says a lot about his character. It was not common for black people in the Bigger's society to be in a white person's presence. Also it shows that Bigger was not held with high regard in the society or the household. In the society and household, Bigger was only to answer when being spoken directly to (147-153). This position alone allows Bigger to ponder upon what he was going to say before he said it. Therefore, Bigger would never slip or say something he wasn't supposed to. At the end of the day it would look as if Jane had planned and committed the whole crime.
ReplyDeleteWith Bigger being out of the way and standing to the side it shows how he is within Mr. Dalton's household. HE makes sure not to be heard or seen too much. He does his job and keeps it moving, disregarding the incident with Mary.In actuality, Bigger is not as good as he may be seem or even smart. This quotation is a good representation of the way Bigger acts and how he handles his job.
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