Black boy is an autobiography written by Richard Wright, a Black American writer who faced the challenges typical for a member of his race at his time. The voice of the author is that of an adult, but the described events are presented through the eyes of a boy, with typical radical thought and the tendency to confront the surroundings. Throughout the story, a setting in which the boy grows up plays a special role. In this essay, different aspects of the setting as a background of the protagonist’s life events and thoughts will be discussed, such as physical and temporal circumstances, and a psychological atmosphere.
As the author describes, he grew up moving from place to place along with his family, renting “one half of a double corner house in front of which ran a stagnant ditch carrying sewage” (Wright, 1947, p. 52). He never considered the place where he lived as his home (Wright, 1947, p. 92). Being permanently in such a homeless state obviously prevented him from feeling the protection and friendliness of the world towards him.
The time of his youth was a difficult time for the state; he had to experience all the challenges of Jim Crow South, being a black boy. Being helpless and insecure in the South, he decides to move to the North, where he cannot feel comfortable as well (Wright, 1947, p. 202). He gets familiar with the ideas of communism, which makes him more radically opposed to the environment (Wright, 1947, p. 202). Thus, the circumstances contributed to establishing his position as a rebel throughout his life.
In addition, the social and psychological atmosphere during Richard’s childhood and adolescence was adding tension to his mental state. Both his mother and grandmother, with whom he used to live, considered his thoughts and actions mostly as “foolishness, something that would quickly pass” (Wright, 1947, p. 47). Religion, which might be psychological support, loses its benefits in his eyes too (Wright, 1947, p. 230). Eventually, writing is the only thing left for him as a source of inspiration.
In summary, it might be argued that the setting and circumstances in which Richard grew up were the factors that built his shape as a person and writer. The challenges of the place and time, as well as encounters with the people, did not distract him but encouraged him to raise his voice and freely declare his rights.
References
Wright, R. (1947). Black boy. Forum books.