Char Notes:

Chapter 4 (24-28) "I Aint Neva Scared!"
Summary
This chapter is about Bigger and Gus arguing with going through the robbery at Blum's. They argue for a while showing that they aren't afraid of one another but definitely afraid of robbing a white man. Bigger picks on Gus because he reveals his fears by admitting it, but Bigger hides his by the toughness of the streets.
Analysis
I believe Richard Wright wrote this part to show how young black males act when "the streets" are apart of their upbringing. He portrays this in Bigger, by showing that black males were supposed to act tough even if they were scared of a situation.

Chapter 9 (66-70) "After All, I'm On Your Side."
Summary
This chapter is about Bigger's encounter with Mary during his first day of driving her. He is told that she has to be driven to the University and picked up there. However, in the midst of driving her, she tells him to loosen up with her and turn the car around. From there, she goes to pick up her friend Jan, an invites him in the car with them. They both become friendly with Bigger and shows him not every white person is cruel and out to get black people. Jan then begins to drive while he questions Bigger, and they later go get a bite to eat.
Analysis
I think Richard Wright wrote this part to show, as I said before not all white people are cruel and they do think of black folks as equals, however some colored people take it the wrong way and are a bit scared to become comfortable with them.

Chapter 11 (82-85) "Accidental Death?"
Summary
This chapter is about Bigger accidentally killing Mary in order to keep her out of trouble and keep his job. He brings her upstairs, because she is unable to walk on her own, then violates her by feeling her up until Mrs. Dalton (who is blind) enters the room. When she call for Mary, Bigger puts the pillow in her mouth so she can't make any noise. Mary fights back until she can't breathe anymore, because she was over powered by Bigger's strength.
Analysis
Richard Wright, does this to give the book some intensity. He shows how some people would react in the heat of the moment, and how far some people would go to protect themselves. Also, he puts this part in the book to show how possibly some black men felt toward white women in that era, also how people are taken advantage of when drunk!