Big Black Good Man Questions and Answers
Big Black Good Man
In Richard Wright's "Big Black Good Man," do you think that the title is ironic? In what respect is the story ironic?
The title is indeed ironic because Jenson, the night-porter, has no conception of such a large African American male as being anything other than a threat. As soon as Jenson sees the sailor coming...
Big Black Good Man
What is a good thesis statement for Richard Wright's short story "Big Black Good Man"?
I'm assuming you need a thesis statement for an essay. When looking for a thesis statement, look to the literary elements of the story. Theme, conflict, characters, and setting are just a few you...
Big Black Good Man
What is Lena's significance in "Big Black Good Man"?
I believe Lena serves as a foil to Jensen. The first time she goes to be with Jim, it is all business, but Jim and Lena obviously connect on some level since she goes back for six nights and...
Big Black Good Man
In Richard Wright's story "Big Black Good Man," where do some metaphors and similes appear and how do they function?
Both simile and metaphor are comparisons of unlike things for effect; similes use like or as, while metaphors are direct comparisons. Much of the figurative language in Richard Wright’s story is...
Big Black Good Man
Does "Doe Season" show a woman's role as the provider (of food, warmth, comfort, healing, love)? Does the dream scene...
"Doe Season" is all about gender roles and coming of age. Even the title is a clue, for a doe season is a deer hunting season in which hunters only take female deer. Andy is torn...
Big Black Good Man
Do you think the author seems optimistic or pessimistic about race relations in the United States?
Well, actually, neither. He seems realistic. He seems to say that there will be surges of fear unlooked for, in people who consider themselves free of racism, and that race relations with always...
Big Black Good Man
What point do you think the story makes about racial prejudice?
Well, here's a problem: I think the story is intentionally ambiguous. By that I mean, some points made about race and racial prejudice are open and direct. These are easy to identify. Olaf's...
Big Black Good Man
What are a few ironic points made in the story?
Irony exists on several levels. On the linguistic level, the fact that "the man" of the title calls Jensen "boy," reversing a standard linguistic practice of whites towards Blacks, is ironic. On...
Big Black Good Man
In "Big Black Good Man," can Olaf Jenson be considered jealous of Jim? If so, in what way?
Sure, he can be considered jealous of Jim. That's not his first or primary response, but it is definitely there. Olaf is an older man, and his physical capacities are diminishing. Jim is a young...
Big Black Good Man
How can I write an analytical essay on "Big Black Good Man" by Richard Wright?
A successful literary analysis begins with careful close readings of the literary work, in this case, the short story "Big Black Good Man" by Richard Wright (1908-1960), published posthumously in...
Big Black Good Man
How do I come up with a argumentative thesis statement that incorporates three literary elements in Big Black Good Man?
I agree with the above answer, but want to help simplify it for you. You've got "jealousy" and "racism." These are themes. If I were you, I'd pick ONE. Make that the main focus of your essay....
Big Black Good Man
What questions can I ask myself about this story (or any story) that might help me find the perspective of feminist,...
By the same token, Marxist works will focus on relationships of the people, the consciousness of the people, and a particular focus on the working conditions and lives of the working masses....