Big Black Good Man

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the play over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. The story addresses racial stereotypes on multiple levels.

• What racial stereotypes are expressed in this story? (topic sentence)
• How does the story help to subvert those stereotypes?
• Conclude with discussion of how stereotypes are twisted in this story.

2. Recall your own reading experience.

• What did you think was happening when Jim placed his hands around Olaf’s neck? (topic sentence)
• What cues in the story led you to this conclusion?
• Conclude with a statement that analyzes the reader’s experience in this crucial moment.

3. Wright’s work shows the influence of psychological realism.

• What is psychological realism? (topic sentence)
• What characteristics in this story exhibit traits of psychological realism?
• Conclude with an analytical statement that answers why Wright might have used psychological realism in this story.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Compare and contrast the characters in the story. What statement is Wright making about the reality of racism and white supremacy based on how he portrays them? Include an analysis of Jim, Olaf, and Lena. Incorporate textual evidence that pair with your analyses.

2. Wright chooses to set this story in Copenhagen, Denmark, a racially homogenous Northern European city. Why might he have made this choice, and how does it influence the plot and characters in the story? Essays should incorporate some research on race in Denmark.

3. Write an essay in which you analyze the impact of point of view and the limited narration on the story. Why does Wright choose to structure his story this way? How does this structure help Wright portray his themes?