A blog for the students enrolled in ENGL 1020: Composition and Literature
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Blog 11 (one response)
What is the significance of the two contrary images of the cross described on pp. 312-313? How does Bigger's throwing away of the cross given to him by the preacher represent rebellion? What is Bigger rebelling against?
Bigger throwing away the cross that was given to him by the preacher represent rebellion because he seen the preacher as a spiritual leader but then he realized that the cross represented Ku Klux Klan and hate. Bigger was upset,fustrated, hurt, and furious when he was looking at the cross because he felt like the cross didn't resemble what the preacher told him it did. He also looked at the cross as something that they killed and hang Jesus on and he felt betrayed because he thought that the preacher had put a curse on him by making him wear the cross as to think that he would have to go through the same things Jesus went through. On page 313 it shows all the angry emotions and thoughts that where roaming through his mind about feeling betrayed.
The cross represents the theme, Love & Hate. At first, the preacher gave the wooden cross to Bigger hoping that he will look at it and turn to Jesus. That time, it represented love and hope that somehow Bigger will get out of his situation and return home where his loving family awaits him. That’s why the preacher said, “When yuh git alone, look at this cross, son, ‘n’ b’lieve” (265). The preacher wanted to give Bigger hope that this life isn’t the end; he wanted Bigger to have faith in Jesus so that he may be able to reunite with his family in the afterlife. However, when Bigger saw the burning cross, the tiny amount of hope was extinguished. Bigger started to feel the hatred of the white people as “they were burning [a cross] to tell him that they hated him” (313). He knew that the cross of the Ku Klux Klan was a symbol for his death, and he started to related that feeling and image toward the cross that the preacher gave him. Instead of “feel[ing] awe and wonder” from the cross, he felt “fear and panic” (313). That’s why, when Bigger was back in his cell, he threw the cross around his neck out of his cell. The guards were confused because they thought that he would treasure the cross, but Bigger kept telling them that he didn’t need it. Then, the preacher came by and tried to relight the hope for him. Yet, Bigger didn’t give the preacher a chance; he slammed the prison bar cell on the preacher and threw the cross out of his cell again. His actions represent rebellion because he resisted the cross and its value of salvation. But, it wasn’t the value of salvation that Bigger was rebelling against. Bigger was trying to rebel against the suffering and eventual death that the cross represents. He knew that Jesus carried his cross, went through tremendous suffering, and was ultimately crucified. Since the preacher kept telling Bigger that everyone had a cross and was meant to suffer, Bigger opposed against that idea. Thus, Bigger was left truly alone waiting for his end.
The significance of the two contrary images of the cross was to confuse Bigger, but moreover to scare him. Bigger mistook the cross that the KKK burned for the cross that the preacher gave him and thought that it meant something negative making him not want it anymore. Bigger felt betrayed by the preacher because he thought that the cross he wore around his neck meant that the whites hated him even more. Bigger thought the burning cross meant that he was suppose to burn on a cross also. By Bigger throwing away the cross, this sign of rebellion meant that he no longer wanted to be affiliated with any religion. He thought that all religion did was make things worse for him. As soon as he started to have some type of faith, he saw the burning cross of the KKK misleading him to think that the cross he wore around his neck was not a good symbol. Bigger rebelled against the preacher and any type of faith in anything. He doesn't even have faith in himself anymore. He simply stares at the four walls in his cell thinking about everything and nothing at the same time.
Bigger throwing away the cross given to him by the preacher represents an act of rebellion because when he saw the Ku Klux Klan burning the cross it angered him. He was confused as because he doesn't really understand the difference between Jesus shedding blood on the cross for us and the KKK expressing hate for him by burning it. He was just confused because life for him everyday is a crucifixion and he felt that the preacher had ridiculed him and set him up to believe that he had hope to overcome but the KKK contradicted that. This made Bigger become rebellious against God and lose hope and just die.
In Bigger's eyes the significance of the cross was not taken as it should have. Bigger took the meaning of the cross as a"KKK" act because he had seen so much and it was an act of rebellion. Bigger had no common sense receive the cross and to look upon God to get him out of the situation that he got into. For Example, when Biggers own Mother tried to be there even though this was an act that Bigger had created upon his own will, she presented Bigger with a cross and he still refused. After all of the hostility and rebellion that Bigger had already created he stilled refused to rebell. In my opinion, Bigger might think that he's rebelling against his mother or the preacher, but in actuality he's only rebelling towards the only one that can actually get him out of this terrible mess, and that's GOD.
Bigger throwing away the cross shows a big sign of rebellion. At first he excepted the cross from reverend Hammond because it gave him hope. It gave him something to look forward to somewhat. Also for a short glimmer of time it seemed as though he was excepting it because he felt as though he could trust the Reverend seeing as though he does not trust anyone else. However when he saw the burning of the cross he took the cross off that the Reverend gave him. Bigger felt as though he had been betrayed. In Bigger's mind it was like Reverend Hammond gave him the cross to mock him. This was a sign of rebellion because at this point he stopped believing that anything good would happen because he lost all of his hope. By throwing away the cross he also is rebelling against God and religion itself. He does not see how anything good can com from a symbol of God when the same symbol is also being used scare and degrade him.
The two crosses were to confuse bigger. The cross reverend Hammond gave Bigger gave him hope. However once Bigger realized the cross represented the KKK. bigger rebelled against society and against the reverend by throwing the cross away. Bigger was hurt, he felt betrayed, and he lost all hope. Once he realized the cross had duel meanings, he completely turned away from everyone, including God and his faith. Bigger was angry at the reverend, angry with God, and angry with society. Bigger felt trapped and helpless and he felt as if the world had always been against him, and the cross was his final straw.
Bigger had a distorted perception of what the cross was supposed to represent. This particular scene of the novel has quite a bit to do with religion. Bigger's thoughts about the cross can be explained when thinking about Jesus. When Bigger finally excepts the cross, this could be equated to Jesus accepting the mission of carrying the cross. However, Bigger and Jesus differ because while Bigger eventually gets rid of the cross, Jesus carries and bears his cross until the very end. Bigger's thoughts about the KKK and the burning of the cross compares to Jesus' torment and torture that he endured during the time he was carrying his cross.
In the Native son, Bigger throws away his cross showing rebellion. i believe that Bigger is portraying insecurities when he's throwing the cross. Bigger is giving up because he;s so deep in the situation that he's accepting the fact that hes the untamed animal the jury image him as. i suggest that Bigger want to think of himself being in control of his own life and that people are all sinners by nature. I also believe that Bigger think the cross have another meaning to it. on pg 313 Bigger looking at the KKK perpective with the burning flames on the cross rather the bloody cross. on pg 312 Bigger witness the burning cross and said "No thats was not right; they ought not burn a cross", here they show the confusion of good and evil of the cross. Bigger is confuse and doesn't want to believe or support something that negative. Bigger giving up on everything thing because now he;s confuse and doesn't know what to think. The cross symbolized compassion and sacrifice for the greater good. Reverend Hammond had no intention on confuse Bigger but wanted to show him the true meaning of what the cross stand for in life. As such, the cross in Native Son comes to symbolize the opposite of what it usually signifies in a Christian context.
Initially when Bigger received the cross from the preacher, he thought it meant how Jesus displayed his love for him by dying upon the cross. He was in awe of the cross and wondered what it was all about. He had no fear and he did not panic, however when he saw the burning cross, it made him angry because he felt like the preacher had trapped him. He then knew (in his mind),the cross belonged to the KKK because of how it was burning. He had the feeling that the cross that touched his neck felt like a knife pointed at his heart. He became very rebellious and indignant. He really did not care what happened to him, really at this point once again, he just wanted to die and get this all over with. He's rebelling against God and does not want to have anything to do with him.
The significance of the two contrary images of the cross was to confuse Bigger. Mistakenly, Bigger took the cross the cross that the KKK burned for the cross that the preacher gave him . Bigger throwing away the cross given to him by the preacher represents an act of rebellion because when he saw the KKK burning the cross it made his temper rise to maximum capacity.Bigger is not allowed to have faith in God because he has no faith in himself. Bigger is refusing to do what is best for him because he has given up all hope for himself.
The significance of the two contrary images of the cross was to confuse Bigger. Mistakenly, Bigger took the cross the cross that the KKK burned for the cross that the preacher gave him . Bigger throwing away the cross given to him by the preacher represents an act of rebellion because when he saw the KKK burning the cross it made his temper rise to maximum capacity.Bigger is not allowed to have faith in God because he has no faith in himself. Bigger is refusing to do what is best for him because he has given up all hope for himself.
Bigger felt betrayed because reverend hammond gave him a cross that represent two things: The life and death of Jesus Christ and how he died for our salvation and the cross that the KKK burn because they hatred they have toward African Americans. When Bigger threw away the cross, it acts as a rebellion against the preacher. The reverend intention was to represent compassion and love. But Bigger felt as if it was a hatred thing because the KKK would burn to cross representing their hatred towards the African Americans. It was pointless for Bigger to believe in anything, because he himself does not believe in himself. Bigger started to put himself in Jesus shoes by imagining that he would sacrifice himself and rid of his shame and sins.
The crosses represent the duality in a single idea that seems to be a reoccurring theme in Bigger's life. The cross as a prime example is the hope in life and the disappointment that comes when that hope is in jeopardy. The cross offered by the priest was an opportunity to find safety in light of the dark situation. When he came across the burning cross, the validity in the pastor's belief is lost, in Bigger's opinion. Mr. Max identifies a new sense of understanding and common obstacles for Bigger. This, too, is also lost when the hatred of the white crowd hits them. The crosses represent the two steps forward and three steps back Bigger takes in understanding the world.
When Bigger received the cross from Reverend Hammond, it made Bigger feel like he had something to live for. He began to feel compassion, something he had never felt before. When Bigger witnessed the cross the KKK had burned, he was confused. He didn't understand why the KKK were burning the cross and for what reason. Bigger only saw one thing and one thing only: a cross being burned. At the moment Bigger began to rebel against the preacher and the cross itself by dismissing the cross. If Bigger would have been educated enough to understand what he was looking at, he would not have committed acts of rebellion.
The significance of the two contrary crosses is Bigger's belief in himself and faith. Revered Hammond gives Bigger a cross in hopes that Bigger will have more faith with God and himself, but that soon changes when Bigger see the burning cross of the KKK. When he saw the KKK burning the cross he began to rebel against the faith of God. HE did't understand why have a cross that means love and faith when others are burning it for their hatred toward African Americans. The cross was Bigger's last chance for hope that he could overcome the negativity he has experienced through out his life, but he could not find the hope within himself.
Bigger throwing away the cross that was given to him by the preacher represent rebellion because he seen the preacher as a spiritual leader but then he realized that the cross represented Ku Klux Klan and hate. Bigger was upset,fustrated, hurt, and furious when he was looking at the cross because he felt like the cross didn't resemble what the preacher told him it did. He also looked at the cross as something that they killed and hang Jesus on and he felt betrayed because he thought that the preacher had put a curse on him by making him wear the cross as to think that he would have to go through the same things Jesus went through. On page 313 it shows all the angry emotions and thoughts that where roaming through his mind about feeling betrayed.
ReplyDeleteThe cross represents the theme, Love & Hate. At first, the preacher gave the wooden cross to Bigger hoping that he will look at it and turn to Jesus. That time, it represented love and hope that somehow Bigger will get out of his situation and return home where his loving family awaits him. That’s why the preacher said, “When yuh git alone, look at this cross, son, ‘n’ b’lieve” (265). The preacher wanted to give Bigger hope that this life isn’t the end; he wanted Bigger to have faith in Jesus so that he may be able to reunite with his family in the afterlife. However, when Bigger saw the burning cross, the tiny amount of hope was extinguished. Bigger started to feel the hatred of the white people as “they were burning [a cross] to tell him that they hated him” (313). He knew that the cross of the Ku Klux Klan was a symbol for his death, and he started to related that feeling and image toward the cross that the preacher gave him. Instead of “feel[ing] awe and wonder” from the cross, he felt “fear and panic” (313). That’s why, when Bigger was back in his cell, he threw the cross around his neck out of his cell. The guards were confused because they thought that he would treasure the cross, but Bigger kept telling them that he didn’t need it. Then, the preacher came by and tried to relight the hope for him. Yet, Bigger didn’t give the preacher a chance; he slammed the prison bar cell on the preacher and threw the cross out of his cell again. His actions represent rebellion because he resisted the cross and its value of salvation. But, it wasn’t the value of salvation that Bigger was rebelling against. Bigger was trying to rebel against the suffering and eventual death that the cross represents. He knew that Jesus carried his cross, went through tremendous suffering, and was ultimately crucified. Since the preacher kept telling Bigger that everyone had a cross and was meant to suffer, Bigger opposed against that idea. Thus, Bigger was left truly alone waiting for his end.
ReplyDeleteThe significance of the two contrary images of the cross was to confuse Bigger, but moreover to scare him. Bigger mistook the cross that the KKK burned for the cross that the preacher gave him and thought that it meant something negative making him not want it anymore. Bigger felt betrayed by the preacher because he thought that the cross he wore around his neck meant that the whites hated him even more. Bigger thought the burning cross meant that he was suppose to burn on a cross also. By Bigger throwing away the cross, this sign of rebellion meant that he no longer wanted to be affiliated with any religion. He thought that all religion did was make things worse for him. As soon as he started to have some type of faith, he saw the burning cross of the KKK misleading him to think that the cross he wore around his neck was not a good symbol. Bigger rebelled against the preacher and any type of faith in anything. He doesn't even have faith in himself anymore. He simply stares at the four walls in his cell thinking about everything and nothing at the same time.
ReplyDeleteBigger throwing away the cross given to him by the preacher represents an act of rebellion because when he saw the Ku Klux Klan burning the cross it angered him. He was confused as because he doesn't really understand the difference between Jesus shedding blood on the cross for us and the KKK expressing hate for him by burning it. He was just confused because life for him everyday is a crucifixion and he felt that the preacher had ridiculed him and set him up to believe that he had hope to overcome but the KKK contradicted that. This made Bigger become rebellious against God and lose hope and just die.
ReplyDeleteIn Bigger's eyes the significance of the cross was not taken as it should have. Bigger took the meaning of the cross as a"KKK" act because he had seen so much and it was an act of rebellion. Bigger had no common sense receive the cross and to look upon God to get him out of the situation that he got into. For Example, when Biggers own Mother tried to be there even though this was an act that Bigger had created upon his own will, she presented Bigger with a cross and he still refused. After all of the hostility and rebellion that Bigger had already created he stilled refused to rebell. In my opinion, Bigger might think that he's rebelling against his mother or the preacher, but in actuality he's only rebelling towards the only one that can actually get him out of this terrible mess, and that's GOD.
ReplyDeleteBigger throwing away the cross shows a big sign of rebellion. At first he excepted the cross from reverend Hammond because it gave him hope. It gave him something to look forward to somewhat. Also for a short glimmer of time it seemed as though he was excepting it because he felt as though he could trust the Reverend seeing as though he does not trust anyone else. However when he saw the burning of the cross he took the cross off that the Reverend gave him. Bigger felt as though he had been betrayed. In Bigger's mind it was like Reverend Hammond gave him the cross to mock him. This was a sign of rebellion because at this point he stopped believing that anything good would happen because he lost all of his hope. By throwing away the cross he also is rebelling against God and religion itself. He does not see how anything good can com from a symbol of God when the same symbol is also being used scare and degrade him.
ReplyDeleteThe two crosses were to confuse bigger. The cross reverend Hammond gave Bigger gave him hope. However once Bigger realized the cross represented the KKK. bigger rebelled against society and against the reverend by throwing the cross away. Bigger was hurt, he felt betrayed, and he lost all hope. Once he realized the cross had duel meanings, he completely turned away from everyone, including God and his faith. Bigger was angry at the reverend, angry with God, and angry with society. Bigger felt trapped and helpless and he felt as if the world had always been against him, and the cross was his final straw.
ReplyDeleteBigger had a distorted perception of what the cross was supposed to represent. This particular scene of the novel has quite a bit to do with religion. Bigger's thoughts about the cross can be explained when thinking about Jesus. When Bigger finally excepts the cross, this could be equated to Jesus accepting the mission of carrying the cross. However, Bigger and Jesus differ because while Bigger eventually gets rid of the cross, Jesus carries and bears his cross until the very end. Bigger's thoughts about the KKK and the burning of the cross compares to Jesus' torment and torture that he endured during the time he was carrying his cross.
ReplyDeleteIn the Native son, Bigger throws away his cross showing rebellion. i believe that Bigger is portraying insecurities when he's throwing the cross. Bigger is giving up because he;s so deep in the situation that he's accepting the fact that hes the untamed animal the jury image him as. i suggest that Bigger want to think of himself being in control of his own life and that people are all sinners by nature. I also believe that Bigger think the cross have another meaning to it. on pg 313 Bigger looking at the KKK perpective with the burning flames on the cross rather the bloody cross. on pg 312 Bigger witness the burning cross and said "No thats was not right; they ought not burn a cross", here they show the confusion of good and evil of the cross. Bigger is confuse and doesn't want to believe or support something that negative. Bigger giving up on everything thing because now he;s confuse and doesn't know what to think. The cross symbolized compassion and sacrifice for the greater good. Reverend Hammond had no intention on confuse Bigger but wanted to show him the true meaning of what the cross stand for in life. As such, the cross in Native Son comes to symbolize the opposite of what it usually signifies in a Christian context.
ReplyDeleteInitially when Bigger received the cross from the preacher, he thought it meant how Jesus displayed his love for him by dying upon the cross. He was in awe of the cross and wondered what it was all about. He had no fear and he did not panic, however when he saw the burning cross, it made him angry because he felt like the preacher had trapped him. He then knew (in his mind),the cross belonged to the KKK because of how it was burning. He had the feeling that the cross that touched his neck felt like a knife pointed at his heart. He became very rebellious and indignant. He really did not care what happened to him, really at this point once again, he just wanted to die and get this all over with. He's rebelling against God and does not want to have anything to do with him.
ReplyDeleteThe significance of the two contrary images of the cross was to confuse Bigger. Mistakenly, Bigger took the cross the cross that the KKK burned for the cross that the preacher gave him . Bigger throwing away the cross given to him by the preacher represents an act of rebellion because when he saw the KKK burning the cross it made his temper rise to maximum capacity.Bigger is not allowed to have faith in God because he has no faith in himself. Bigger is refusing to do what is best for him because he has given up all hope for himself.
ReplyDeleteThe significance of the two contrary images of the cross was to confuse Bigger. Mistakenly, Bigger took the cross the cross that the KKK burned for the cross that the preacher gave him . Bigger throwing away the cross given to him by the preacher represents an act of rebellion because when he saw the KKK burning the cross it made his temper rise to maximum capacity.Bigger is not allowed to have faith in God because he has no faith in himself. Bigger is refusing to do what is best for him because he has given up all hope for himself.
ReplyDeleteBigger felt betrayed because reverend hammond gave him a cross that represent two things: The life and death of Jesus Christ and how he died for our salvation and the cross that the KKK burn because they hatred they have toward African Americans. When Bigger threw away the cross, it acts as a rebellion against the preacher. The reverend intention was to represent compassion and love. But Bigger felt as if it was a hatred thing because the KKK would burn to cross representing their hatred towards the African Americans. It was pointless for Bigger to believe in anything, because he himself does not believe in himself. Bigger started to put himself in Jesus shoes by imagining that he would sacrifice himself and rid of his shame and sins.
ReplyDeleteThe crosses represent the duality in a single idea that seems to be a reoccurring theme in Bigger's life. The cross as a prime example is the hope in life and the disappointment that comes when that hope is in jeopardy. The cross offered by the priest was an opportunity to find safety in light of the dark situation. When he came across the burning cross, the validity in the pastor's belief is lost, in Bigger's opinion. Mr. Max identifies a new sense of understanding and common obstacles for Bigger. This, too, is also lost when the hatred of the white crowd hits them. The crosses represent the two steps forward and three steps back Bigger takes in understanding the world.
ReplyDeleteWhen Bigger received the cross from Reverend Hammond, it made Bigger feel like he had something to live for. He began to feel compassion, something he had never felt before. When Bigger witnessed the cross the KKK had burned, he was confused. He didn't understand why the KKK were burning the cross and for what reason. Bigger only saw one thing and one thing only: a cross being burned. At the moment Bigger began to rebel against the preacher and the cross itself by dismissing the cross. If Bigger would have been educated enough to understand what he was looking at, he would not have committed acts of rebellion.
ReplyDeleteThe significance of the two contrary crosses is Bigger's belief in himself and faith. Revered Hammond gives Bigger a cross in hopes that Bigger will have more faith with God and himself, but that soon changes when Bigger see the burning cross of the KKK. When he saw the KKK burning the cross he began to rebel against the faith of God. HE did't understand why have a cross that means love and faith when others are burning it for their hatred toward African Americans. The cross was Bigger's last chance for hope that he could overcome the negativity he has experienced through out his life, but he could not find the hope within himself.
ReplyDelete