Violence plays a key role in Richard Wright's autobiography. Different types of violence occur in different areas throughout the book. .
The first type of violence Richard experiences is in the first scene where he decides to burn some straw but instead burns his own house. Richard is severely punished by his mother for his careless misjudgments. As stated in the book, Richard says, ".my mother came close to killing me." This anecdote sets the scene where all types of violence surround Richard's life, whether by punishment or anger, and so it must be accepted as a way of life in his Black community. He might not approve of violence at home, but Richard knows that it has to be acknowledged. Richard views violence at home as a sign that he has done something wrong. He develops an instinct to evade as he gets used to the frequent slaps given by Granny. In the seen when Richard tells his granny to kiss his behind, Richard says, " I dodged her and ran back into the house, then again into the hallway, my naked body flashing frantically through the air." Richard does not want to be punished and refuses to get violently beaten, even if he knew that he had done something bad. Richard can't discern the reason for his elders" using of painful violence against him for any reason that he or she might have thought of. Because of this lack of nurture and constant violent punishments from his domestic authorities, he is brought up to treat everyone with hostility and disrespect. .
Richard first elicits his capability of using violence against others when his father tells him figuratively to kill a bothersome kitten. Richard kills the innocent kitten because he is angry with his father and has no way to assuage his temper but to take his anger out on the animal. This primary act of violence is the first portrayal of Richard's rashness when it comes to using violence unto others. This rashness can be seen when Richard threatens to kill his own aunt, Addie.