WAEC Literature in English 2018 Theory — Question 5

Model answer

The black clergy illustrate the role religion plays in the lives of the blacks in Richard Wright's United States in the novel. Living in a racist society in which the blacks are at the lower rung of the ladder necessitates the need for the blacks to be consoled by religion, especially the belief that heaven offers consolation for the injustice suffered by the minority blacks in the hands of the majority whites on earth. The blacks are portrayed as more religious than the whites in the novel. Perhaps this happens as a result of the make-belief that the world cannot offer them comfort, when in reality that comfort is made available to the whites. This confirms the saying that religion is the opium of the masses. The role of the clergy in the novel is represented by pastor Reverend Hammond, Bigger's mum's pastor. The appearance of Reverend Hammond is at Cook County Jail where Bigger is being remanded, and it is being significant. It becomes evident that Mrs Thomas, Bigger's mum, sent the pastor. The pastor plays the role of consolation, both to prepare Bigger's mind for the coming of his mum and siblings and for the imminent death which is to be passed on him by the white judge. He addresses Bigger as poor boy. This explains the pity he has for the boy. The reverend prays for Bigger. He also calls on God to show him mercy, to forgive him and to let the light of love guide him, to try help those trying to help him. The Reverend also preaches to Bigger on the creation of man, the fall of man, the coming of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection. Bigger's disposition shows that he does not want to be preached to. He loathes the words. Although he pretends to be listening and sober, it is the reverend's face that commands his attention rather than the word of God. The role of the reverend is to prepare Bigger's soul for death and eternity if peradventure death happens. The reverend's preaching sums up the essence of man's life on earth and the eternity thereafter. Reverend Hammond asks Bigger to promise that he would stop hating so that God could come into his heart but Bigger refuses to oblige. Reverend Hammond also offers Bigger his wooden cross which he holds by chain around Bigger's neck, imploring him to meditate on it when alone. The cross in this sense represents 'Christ'.