Defining Roles through the Use of Language in Richard Wright’s Autobiography, Black Boy :: Richard Wright’s Black Boy

Defining Roles through the Use of Language in Richard Wrights Autobiography, Black BoyIn his autobiography, Black Boy, Richard Wright is constantly feeling alone and cast from society. He always knew he was different from his friends and the other kids he knew that there was something separating himself from his peers- address. Throughout the novel Wright uses language to define roles, to define himself, and to define society.Wrights use of language and rhetorical techniques allows his readers to know exactly which characters are filling which roles in the novel. For example, when Richard walks into his bosss office to explain that had been bitten by the mans dog, his bosss secretary uses short concise sentences. He isnt here now, she said, and went back to her typing, explains the exact manner in which Richard was treated. the syntax exhibited here demonstrates that the secretary does not have -- nor does she involve to have -- the time to listen to a black boy in pain. This clear ly shows that this secretary is above Richard and has no desire to slip down to his level. Furthermore, Richard uses a different syntax when speaking back to the secretary. His sentences are longer while remaining simplistic. His dog bit me, maam, and Im afraid I might get an infection demonstrates how the diction in Richards sentences is much less offensive and accompanied by a certain sense of inferiority, showing his fear of this white secretary without real saying it. Just from Wrights choice of wording (diction and syntax), the roles in this passage are clearly drawn and defined.Wright not only defines the roles of others in this passage but, with language, he defines himself. For example, when Richard says things standardised Cant I see the Boss? Its swelling, and sonofabitch they are not taken with a playful connotation. His frequent use of contractions and poorly structured sentences bring to the forefront, basically, exactly how uninstructed he truly is. This use of di ction in his dialogue easily shows his character and exactly who he is.Lastly, Wrights use of language defines society as a whole.