sonofabitch bucket

            Wright’s initial response to his mother’s paralysis was one of fear and anxiety. Up until this point in the book when he was “coming of age,” Wright viewed his mother as a figure of power, authority, reason, and invulnerability. Other than his Uncle dying, he never really experienced a first hand loss in the family. His uncle didn’t even necessarily count as his mother and brother were probably the two closest people to him. At this point his sole provider that he trusted and counted on throughout his entire life could no longer fend for herself let alone her children. This was an earth shattering experience for Wright and he had no other close relative to turn to. It was around now that he began to internalize his reactions and emotions. This is the first time in the book where he responds diligently and obediently without a burst or act of rebellion. His longing changes from one of food, justice, and fleeing North to the more realistic goals of making his own living, becoming independent, and being to provide for his mother. His behavior at this point in the book settles down and matures to more of an adult role, as he admits in his reactions with his aunts and uncles. His age betrays his experiences and the loss of his mother as a provider is just one more notch on the warped path that is his life.