SECTION F: NON – AFRICAN PROSE
NATIVE SON – RICHARD WRIGHT
Discuss the role of the black clergy in the Novel?
Explanation
Rev. Hammond is a black clergyman of Bigger mother’s church. Hence, he represents the black clergy and religion in the novel.
He visits Bigger in his cell. As soon as Bigger recognizes him, he is on guard against him. Bigger fears the pastor will make him feel remorseful and wants to tell him to go but cannot speak.
Reverend Hammond kneels on the concrete floor to pray for the salvation of Bigger’s soul. He repeatedly refers to Bigger as ‘poor boy’, seeing Bigger as a sinner who needs salvation. As the words of the pastor’s prayer register themselves in Bigger’s consciousness, they make him remember his mother’s voice telling of suffering, hope and love beyond the world. This makes Bigger feel condemned and guilty.
Bigger hates the clergyman’s creed and wishes he will stop praying. He cannot repeat any of the preacher’s words, but they make him (Bigger) feel like leaping up to strike him. Before he leaves. Reverend Hammond gives Bigger a wooden cross. trying to make him believe that life is all suffering. This, Bigger rejects in his heart.
The visit and the prayer of the black clergyrnz.,. expose the hypocritical attitude of the black churc and its attitude of capitulating to the situation of i members. It is ironical that the church cannot eve engage the services of a lawyer for Bigger, which what he needs at this time. This, Reveren Hammond knows as he tells Jan that if anybody needs help, then Bigger does.
The clergy contrasts Jan, not only in race ar occupation, but in his belief in what man needs life. Jan forgives Bigger and engages a lawyer to defend him now. But Reverend Hammond thinks of the hereafter. Bigger’s case needs prompt and immediate attention, but the clergyman offers freedom of the soul, whilst Jan offers immediate and prompt attention.