Why did Bigger get asked to open the furnace? This question has intrigued readers since the publication of “Native Son” by Richard Wright in 1940. The novel follows the tragic life of Bigger Thomas, a young African American man living in Chicago during the Great Depression. Bigger’s journey through racial injustice, poverty, and crime leads to a series of events that leave readers questioning the reasons behind his selection for such a dangerous task.
Bigger Thomas, the protagonist of “Native Son,” is a young man struggling to find his place in a society that has already deemed him a criminal. His father is a drunkard, his mother is mentally unstable, and his job at a factory is dehumanizing. In this context, Bigger’s request to open the furnace is not only a literal challenge but also a metaphorical one, reflecting the depths of his despair and the hopelessness of his situation.
The furnace in the factory symbolizes the heart of the industrial machine, a place where workers are treated as mere cogs in a vast, impersonal system. Bigger’s boss, Mr. Henry, asks him to open the furnace because he believes that Bigger is too desperate to refuse. This assumption is based on Bigger’s history of theft and his lack of prospects, making him an easy target for exploitation. However, the request also serves as a catalyst for Bigger’s downward spiral into madness and tragedy.
The furnace itself is a dangerous place, filled with hot metal and steam. By asking Bigger to open the furnace, Mr. Henry is effectively forcing him to confront his own fears and vulnerabilities. This act of desperation is a reflection of the broader societal issues that Bigger faces, including racism, poverty, and the dehumanization of the working class.
As Bigger approaches the furnace, he is overcome by a sense of inevitability. He knows that opening the furnace is a death sentence, but he feels trapped and has no other options. This sense of entrapment is a recurring theme in “Native Son,” as Bigger is constantly pushed to the edge of despair by the circumstances of his life.
In conclusion, the question of why Bigger got asked to open the furnace is a multifaceted one. It highlights the power dynamics at play in the novel, as well as the tragic consequences of living in a society that devalues the lives of its most vulnerable members. By exploring this question, readers gain a deeper understanding of Bigger’s character and the systemic issues that contribute to his downfall.
