Name ____________________________________
American Literature
Why Does Bigger Do What He Does?
One of the theories that you can use to interpret Bigger’s behavior and actions is the psychoanalytic theory.
When using this theory, you can identify why Bigger does the things he does. What motivates him? What
scares him? How does he react to people and ideas? Why?
This task requires you to identify Bigger Thomas’ reactions to events in the first book of Native Son: Fear
(p.3 – 93). Listed below are events that Bigger responds to in some manner:
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Killing the rat (p. 6-7)
Conversation with Mom about job (p. 11-12)
Discussion with Gus about being a pilot (p. 16-17)
Fighting with Gus over plan for robbery (p. 26-27)
Gus shows up late to pool hall (p. 37-40)
Going to the Dalton house for the first time (p. 44)
Bigger’s reaction to Mary questioning his involvement in unions (p. 52)
Conversation with Ms. Dalton about education (p. 61)
Eating with Mary and Jan at restaurant (p. 71-73)
Arriving back at the Dalton’s with drunk Mary (p. 81)
Laying in bed with Mary (p. 84-85)
Covering Mary’s face with a pillow (p. 85-86)
Burning Mary (p. 91-93)
With your group, you are responsible for answering the following questions thoroughly and thoughtfully.
1. For EACH of the events, identify what Bigger’s response to the situation is. What does Bigger do?
Why does he do it? Be sure to use personality terms (id, ego, superego) and defense mechanisms
(repression, denial, compensation, regression, etc.)
2. How does Bigger’s response to EACH event connect to the theme of fear?
3. The next book is titled Flight. Based on what you know about Bigger’s responses to events, predict
what you think may happen next.
When you have completed the questions, create a visual representation of these events. Think of this as a
“Timeline of Fear.” Be sure to include the event, Bigger’s response to it, and why he does what he does.
Please try to capture the events primarily through images.
Be prepared to share your work with your classmates.