Richard greatly influenced by other writings and this gives him a way to choose his life as a writer. The book 'Black Boy' emphasizes education and literary works for African Americans lives. Richard's insight toward world develops through the readings and he encourages to other people as well. In this point of view, the writings that made his vision grow is important. Each writings listed below gradually matures Richard as a writer.
Books that inspired Richard Wrights
One day, Richard read an article about H.L. Menken, and the article furiously denounced Menken. Richard was shocked that the person who was denounced was a White. He then started to explore Menken's writing and notice a power of writing and meaning of words. He was influenced by Menken's writing style and critical skills.
'A Book of Prefaces' by Menken is a collection of essays that criticize American culture and movements. Menken chooses this book as the most important work in his career.
This was the first reading that inspired Richard in 'Black Boy'. He was shocked by his sentences and styles. He then tried to realize the reality behind the words in the book. He learned how to fight with words and admired Menken's courage.
Sinclair Lewis's Main Street was his first serious novel. Reading became his passion and he changed his attitude and behavior. Through this book, he widens his perspective and able to understand White people better.
He was overwhelmed by these two books by Theodore Dreiser. He felt a vivid sense of mother's suffering from the books.
" I grew silent, wondering about the life around me. It would have been impossible for me to have told anyone what I derived from these novels, for it was nothing less than a sense of life itself"(1475, Norton).
" I grew silent, wondering about the life around me. It would have been impossible for me to have told anyone what I derived from these novels, for it was nothing less than a sense of life itself"(1475, Norton).
Major Place
Washington Park was the place where Richard frequently visits after he collect a premium from his insurance clients. He wandered around unemployed African Americans and hear Negro Communists' speech.
This place was good for Negro Communists to speech; some of audiences advocated, some of them were shocked. Richard disagreed the way of Negro Communists trying to revolutionize. We can see how Richard was different from the people.
This place was good for Negro Communists to speech; some of audiences advocated, some of them were shocked. Richard disagreed the way of Negro Communists trying to revolutionize. We can see how Richard was different from the people.
Gates, Henry L., and Nellie Y. McKay. The Norton Anthology of African American Literature. 2nd ed. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2004. 1470-87. Print.