WAEC Literature in English 2020 Theory — Question 5

Model answer

Points to note: 1. Relation to theme. 2. Character identification. 3. Bigger's crime and punishment. 4. Max's defence and Bigger's death sentence. 5. The last moment with Max. Model answer: The novel centres on racial discrimination in America and how it affects the blacks. Seen as inferior to the white majority, the blacks are subjected to all forms of maltreatment. They are stereotyped and treated with prejudice by the racist whites. Bigger's reaction to the racial practices in America lands him in jail and he heads for the electric chair. Bigger Thomas is the protagonist of the novel and Max is Bigger's lawyer. Max is a member of the Communist Party. The last meeting between Bigger and Max takes place in Bigger's cell. Bigger has been sentenced to death following his murder of Mary Dalton. Bigger has killed Mary Dalton and his own girlfriend, Bessie. After the murder, he is hunted down by the cops and he is to be tried in a Chicago court. Max offers to defend Bigger in court in spite of initial suspicion of Max and Jan. In the law court, Max pleads that Bigger is innocent. He appeals to the jury to consider Bigger as a victim of state policy and social discrimination. Against Max's appeals, Bigger is sentenced to death as Bigger is expected to "die on or before midnight of Friday, March 3rd, in a manner described by the law of this state". Bigger uses his last moment with Max to "accustom his mind to death as much as possible". He reflects on past events and how he has lived. Bigger yearns and longs to "talk to Max than ever" even though he is not sure of what to discuss with him. Max shares insightful experiences about life with him and says, "...in the work I am doing, I look at the world in a way that shows no whites and no blacks, no civilised and no savages..." Bigger clears his mind about death; he says, "I didn't want to kill but what I kill for, I am! It must've been pretty deep in me to make me kill."