Native Son

Native Son

Year: 1951

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Pierre Chenal

Drama

A compelling drama tells the story of Bigger Thomas, a young Black man living in poverty and facing limited opportunities in 1930s Chicago. When he takes a job as a chauffeur for a wealthy white family, a series of tragic events lead to a confrontation with devastating consequences. The film explores themes of race, class, and the struggle for identity amidst social inequality and systemic oppression, highlighting the complexities of human nature and the destructive impact of fear and prejudice.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Native Son (1951)

Trace every key event in Native Son (1951) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Hannah's Tragic Departure

In the early 1940s, Hannah Thomas leaves the South with her three children, fleeing the horrific lynching of her husband. Settling in Chicago's black belt, they live in a cramped kitchenette, struggling with their new life.

1940s Chicago
2

Bigger Kills the Rat

The family's life takes an unsettling turn when they discover a rat in their home, which they nickname 'old man Dalton' after their landlord. In a moment of frustration, Bigger, Hannah's oldest son, kills the rat, symbolizing his growing unease about their living situation.

Thomas's kitchenette
3

Bigger Gets a Job

A relief agency worker approaches Bigger with a job offer as a chauffeur for the wealthy Dalton family. Despite his initial reluctance, he decides to take the job, marking a significant change in his life circumstances.

Dalton household
4

Bigger's Romantic Struggle

Bigger meets with his girlfriend Bessie, a waitress, who is thrilled by the prospect of singing at a club. However, Bigger grapples with jealousy and suspicion as he contemplates his feelings for Bessie and his interest in Mary Dalton.

South Side club
5

A Night Out

Bigger drives Mary Dalton and her friend Jan to a club where they engage in patronizing conversations about race. The evening reveals both the stark divides between them and the pressure Bigger feels in their company.

Late night Ernie's club
6

Tragic Incident

After a night of drinking, Mary mistakenly puts herself in a vulnerable position when she asks Bigger to help her to her bedroom. In a moment of panic, fearing exposure due to their racial dynamics, Bigger accidentally kills her.

Early morning Dalton household
7

Cover-Up Begins

In a desperate bid to hide his crime, Bigger carries Mary's body to the furnace in the cellar. The next day, he fabricates a story about her disappearance, implicating Jan and deflecting suspicion from himself.

Morning after the incident Furnace, Dalton household
8

The Ransom Note

With a plan for ransom money, Bigger tells Bessie about his idea to claim they have kidnapped Mary Dalton. Although Bessie is hesitant, she ultimately agrees to aid him, showcasing their troubled relationship.

Thomas's kitchenette
9

Search Intensifies

As the police begin their search for Bigger, tension mounts, exacerbated by the discovery of human remains in the furnace. Bigger, feeling trapped, comprehensively becomes a fugitive despite the evidence steadily building against him.

Dalton household
10

Bigger's Confession

In an abandoned building, Bigger confesses to Bessie that he killed Mary, explaining the fear that drove him to commit the act. Their conversation escalates into a confrontation, highlighting Bessie's turmoil and Bigger's deepening despair.

Abandoned building
11

Bessie's Demise

After a series of unfortunate events, Bigger's paranoia culminates in the tragic death of Bessie. Convulsed by fear and betrayal, he throws her down an elevator shaft, revealing the depths of his psychological breakdown.

Elevator shaft
12

Captured by the Police

The police, tipped off about Bigger's location, storm the building where he and Bessie are hiding. In a desperate attempt to escape, Bigger shoots at the officers but is ultimately subdued and apprehended.

Apartment building
13

Family Visit

Hannah and Bigger's family come to visit him in jail. Hannah's request for prayer reflects their shattered family dynamic and the overwhelming grief surrounding the events that transpired.

Jail
14

Bigger's Reflection

In a poignant moment, Bigger contemplates his actions and expresses regret for what he has done. He hopes his tragic story serves as a warning for future generations, emphasizing the societal issues that contributed to his violent choices.

Jail
15

Facing Justice

As he prepares for his execution in the electric chair, Bigger reflects on his life and the relationships he had. He asks his lawyer to convey a message to Jan, underlining his complicated feelings in the face of his impending death.

Jail

Last Updated: January 19, 2025 at 18:49

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Native Son Summary

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Native Son Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Native Son

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Native Son

More About Native Son

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