Big Black Good Man

1373 Words6 Pages
The setting of the story “Big Black Good Man”, by Richard Wright is 1950s Copenhagen, Denmark, when racial prejudice was a major factor in society. The story takes place in a predominantly white city in Europe. Olaf Jenson is a hotel clerk; he is a pale older man with watery blue eyes. Into his “colorless” world comes a powerful black man who appears even larger than he is because of his surroundings and a blonde prostitute. The setting of the story highlights three differences between these characters and shows how racial stereotypes are born. Racial stereotyping is used by these characters. The first character, Olaf is affected by the setting in many ways. Olaf is sitting in a sea side hotel in Copenhagen; it caters to sailors and student. He could hear ships horn and even he could smell the sea from his hotel. It is a rainy night and Olaf is smoking his cigar and drinking beer. It’s a very relaxing atmosphere and it made him think about his own life. Olaf is turning 60 tomorrow and he thinks he did alright in his life. He traveled around the world when he was young. He is happily married, but no children. He has his own house, good job and no debt. He is not rich but he is not poor either. Also he is very satisfied with his life. I think if he didn’t have a relaxing setting, he wouldn’t be thinking about his life’s achievement. Another character affected by his environment is Jim, the big black man. “He was staring at the biggest, strangest, and blackest man he’d ever seen in his life.” “Good evening, “the black giant said in a voice that filled the small office.” Most of his actions toward Olaf speak of a trusting and well-mannered man. He gives Jenson a large sum of money for safekeeping and does not ask for a receipt. Yet, as he checks out of the hotel, he places his hands around Jenson’s neck without asking permission or
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