WAEC Literature in English 2020 Theory — Question 6

Model answer

Points to note: 1. Relation to theme. 2. Character identification. 3. Purpose of the visits. 4. His first visit. 5. Second visit. 6. Significance. Model answer: The novel explores the theme of fear in a racially segregated America. It is this fear that triggers Bigger's reaction, culminating in his committing murders. As a victim of racial discrimination, Bigger's daily experiences are characterised by fear and frustration. Bigger sees sexual pleasure in Bessie as an antidote to his daily experiences of fear and frustration. Bigger's full name is Bigger Thomas. He is the protagonist in the novel. Bigger is driven to daily violence by fear. To assuage his daily frustration and depression, Bigger seeks succour in sexual relationship with Bessie Mears. Bessie is Bigger's girlfriend. She works for a white family as a domestic servant. Like Bigger, frustration and depression characterise Bessie's life. When Bigger first visits Bessie, Bessie feels a bit reluctant and cold towards him. She calls him a stranger and she is shied away from his attempt to kiss her. As they both make love, Bigger hits on the idea of demanding ransom. They go out for drinks and share stories about Loeb and Leopold. In his second visit to Bessie, Bigger is apprehensive. This occurs after the murder of Mary. Bigger and Bessie run to a hide-out in a black, looming, empty apartment building. Bigger fears that Bessie might give him away to the police arrest. For the fear of police arrest and the vulnerability of Bessie, Bigger kills Bessie Mears. Bigger's visits to Bessie are significant in the novel. They give added information about Bigger's evasive and violent nature. They also demonstrate how fear affects the black characters. The visits trigger the sub-plot of the novel. They show Bigger and Bessie's relationships as purely sexual. The visits reveal Bessie's dependence on liquor as a way to suppress her depression. The visits intensify the violence in the novel.