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Hamlet
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Search all of SparkNotes
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Suggestions
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Hamlet
The Book Thief
The Outsiders
The Picture of Dorian Gray
The Scarlet Letter
No Fear Shakespeare
Literature
Other Subjects
Teacher
Blog
Help
Black Boy
Richard Wright
Study Guide
Study Guide
Summary
Plot Overview
Summary & Analysis
Part I (Southern Night): Chapter 1
Part I: Chapter 2
Part I: Chapters 3–4
Part I: Chapter 5
Part I: Chapters 6–8
Part I: Chapters 9–11
Part I: Chapters 12–14
Part II (The Horror and the Glory): Chapter 15
Part II: Chapter 16
Part II: Chapters 17–18
Part II: Chapters 19–20
Characters
Character List
Richard Wright
Ella Wright
Granny, Addie, Tom, Pease, Reynolds, Olin, Ed Green, Buddy Nealson
Main Ideas
Themes
Motifs
Symbols
Key Facts
Quotes
Important Quotes Explained
Further Study
Context
Full Book Quiz
Section Quizzes
Context
Plot Overview
Character List
Analysis of Major Characters
Themes, Motifs & Symbols
Part 1 (Southern Night): Chapter 1
Part 1: Chapter 2
Part 1: Chapters 3-4
Part 1: Chapter 5
Part 1: Chapters 6-8
Part 1: Chapters 9-11
Part 1: Chapters 12-14
Part 2 (The Horror and the Glory): Chapter 15
Part 2: Chapter 16
Part 2: Chapters 17-18
Part 2: Chapters 19-20
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
Writing Help
How to Write Literary Analysis
Suggested Essay Topics
How to Cite This SparkNote
Teacher's Handbook
Further Study
Analysis of Major Characters Quiz
Further Study
Analysis of Major Characters Quiz
1
of 5
What is Richard's most essential characteristic?
Courage under pressure
Belief in his capabilities
Optimistic outlook
Ability to manipulate
2
of 5
Throughout the book, Richard is intensely concerned with ___.
Wealth
Family
Advancement
Humanity
3
of 5
What does Richard's mother do that instigates their contentious relationship?
Sends him to an orphanage
Beats him nearly to death
Kills his kitten
Leaves his father
4
of 5
Who shows a tolerance and affection for Richard absent in any other major character?
Ella
Granny
Addie
Maggie
5
of 5
What motivates Tom's inflexible and negative attitudes toward Richard?
Religion
Racism
Ageism
Political belief
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Black Boy
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CHARACTERS
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