This novel is a reflection of racism. ... When Bigger goes to the movies with Jack one of the films shows blacks as jungle savages. ... Another theme that is introduced in this novel is the response to discrimination, or in Bigger's case, rage. ... Every story told, every novel ever written, every plot created, always had an idea behind it, a theme, an opinion. ... He uses imagery throughout the novel. ...

• Word Count: 2344
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School

Contained within the pages of this novel, the reader might find criticism on issues ranging from the scrutiny and overly judgmental nature of the black community to issues of blatant homophobia. ... Woods for status and validation within the community: "The jungle-sharpened instincts of a man like that could move her up to the front of the church, ahead of the deacons' wives and Ladies Auxiliary, off of Brewster Place for good. ... However, she was not spared the pain and grief so commonly imposed by men in Naylor's novel. ...

• Word Count: 1754
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School