Richard is a young boy who hungers for many things. He never seems to settle down and is always striving for something more or better. I believe two things Richard hungers for are and an understanding companion and success.
In Black Boy, Richards feelings are distinctively shown and you get true sense of his inner feelings. One things I believe he yearns for is a loving and understanding companion. First of all, his parents neglected him and never paid any attention to his wants and needs. Then when his mom became ill (84-86), he had move to his aunt and uncles house (89). Once he moved he found out that a boy had died in the current room he was residing in. This frightened him, but his aunt and uncle didn't understand why it scared him so much. They refused to let him return home but finally gave in (98). Secondly, Richards grandmother is very religious and so was the rest of his family. A neighbor across the street had a discussion with Richard one day about Christianity and questioned his faith (Richards sensed that this was his grandmother's doing). The neighbor simply could not understand Richard's view on faith which made him very defensive (114-115).
Another thing I feel Richard hungers for is success. When put into school he does all of his homework and passes through a whole grade in the time span two weeks. Ecstatic, Richard raced home to tell his family who didn't believe it was possible. But inside, Richard knew that anything was possible and he was inspired to go to medical school or become a writer (125). Richard is also determined to get a job so he can earn money so he won't have to feel hungry anymore. He asks around school about anyone who is in need of a job and was successful in finding one (148). These few examples really show Richard's true determination to succeed and his belief that he can do anything he sets his mind to.
I think when people hunger and strive for things it makes them a stronger and more independent person. They are able to set standards for themselves and feel accomplished once those standards are reached.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
I love how you had page numbers, that is so awesome! I love your main points. I also think that Richard needs more love in his life and that is why he does the things that he does. I had never thought about what you said about success. That is awesome, good analysis!
madeline! i also had thought of something other then food for what richard hungers for. but i really liked how you used sucess. it really shows your understanding of the book and looking past some of the obviouse ideas. good job!
Madeline, I like how you established a strong thesis with many examples. I thoroughly agree with you that Richard often wants the better for himself, and we can conclude this is rash thinking in Richard's part. He is always easily hurt by the unjust actions of his white employers, and because he is so full of himself, Richard never takes into account the fact that in that time, blacks were discriminated heavily against by white superiorists. Nice work.
I really like how you said Richard hungers for an understanding companion, that's a really interesting insight I haven't thought of that. I also think Richard really strives for knowledge in order to help him succeed. Good points, and I like how you took "hunger" to a more emotional and mental sense for Richard. Really nice! -A
Madeline!!!
I agree with you that richard hungers for success. I think that he is a very success driven person. And that this is the reason he defies his family and other authority figures around him and decides to become a writer. I also agree he also hungers for a companion.
Madeline,
i liked your two main points. They showed that you were really thinking about the topic! I too agree that he strived for success! nice job!
I definately think you got it right about Richard's hunger for understanding--espeically about race, because it's such a huge part of this book!
Post a Comment