Characters
Who is being tried for murder?
Bigger Thomas
Who is sentenced to death?
Bigger
What does the color white represent?
Bigger's feelings towards white society.
How does Bigger feel towards the cross?
Angry
Who argues that Biggers crimes are a product of society?
Max
Who is representing Bigger?
Boris Max
Who does Bigger want to see when he is sentenced to death?
Max
What symbolizes the way Bigger is treated by white society?
The rat
What does Bigger do when his family tries to visit?
He sends them away angrily.
Who does Max say are blind and racist without realizing it?
The Daltons
Who is prosecuting Bigger?
David Buckely
Who does Max ask to save Bigger?
The governor
Blindness
How does Bigger feel after he talks with Max.
He believes he had a good reason for committing his crimes
What is Buckleys argument?
If Bigger isn't killed more people will commit murders
Who does Bigger ask to say "Hello" to at the end of the book?
Jan Erlone
What does Bigger want from Max?
Understanding
What symbolizes Biggers desire to be free?
What does Max feel when Bigger is sentenced to death?
Denial
What does Max argue that killing Bigger will create?
More people like Bigger
Who does Bigger throw hot coffee at?
The white priest
What does Max say Bigger's death might cause for the country?
Another civil war
What symbolizes the world that Bigger is excluded from?
The Cross
How does Max feel about Bigger's personal absolvement (Freedom from guilt)?
He becomes fearful of Bigger, and worries about Biggers emotions.
What does Buckley argue as the reason that Bigger killed Mary and Bessie?
Bloodlust/desire to kill