When the invisible man and Mr.Norton stumble upon the house of Jim Trueblood and notice the two pregnant women in the front, Mr. Norton blurts out questions about the family such as “You say he; aren’t both the women married?"(48). Ellison characterizes Mr. Norton as a man fill with curiosity. Mr. Norton simply does not leave the topic of the two pregnant women alone until he finds out the truth: both were pregnant by the same man. Normally, a white person like Mr. Norton does not care for situations regarding African Americans. If anything, whites would be violent with them and pick on an ugly argument. As Mr. Norton finds out the truth, he is appalled and demands to speak to Jim. “He sounded as though he were in great pain. (50)” Why is it a man like Mr. Norton cares deeply about something unimportant in society? The situation is significant to Mr. Norton he dedicates himself to listen to the whole story of how Jim impregnates his daughter. Mr. Norton has an uncommon interest in Jim. Ellison incorporates him to exemplify race equality and kindness towards African-Americans. Mr. Norton’s donation of money to Jim and his children shows the type of man he is -- paternalistic, kind, and respectful.
Mr. Norton represents the enlightened white Northern liberal who considers it his duty to civilize the blacks. He feels it is his responsibility to believe in each of the African-American students. “You are bound to a great dream and to a beautiful monument” (44). He functions as a guide and a reminder blacks can find a way out of their dark and primitive world. Mr. Norton thinks without his founding of the college, African-American students would not have the education they would need to provide their future families.
Keep in mind that Mr. Norton is not the "founder" of the college, but he is, so to speak, a "funder" of the college as one of its trustees. Mr. Norton's curiosity almost a morbid facsication regarding Jim Trueblood's family. How do these static characters function to develop the narrator's character in this scene of the novel?
ReplyDeleteThe word choice of "to civilize" is very important because it contrasts with your belief of the character of Mr. Norton. He could also be characterized as a wealthy white man whose altruism is not exactly benevolent, but very self-serving. His perception of his status in society depends upon the success of the black people he helps. Therefore, if his goal is to "civilize" blacks, then he sees them as lower-class citizens, maybe even as intrusive animals or an invasive species. If his kindness is derived from selfishness, is he truly kind?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMr. Norton had a close relationship with his daughter, and describes her as “ a being more rare, more beautiful, purer, more perfect and more delicate than the wildest dreams of a poet" (42). He can easily relate to Trueblood’s situation. Although Matty Lou did not physically die, Trueblood’s relationship with her will never be the same because of the incident. Mr. Norton gave Trueblood a hundred dollar bill out of pity and knowing how it feels to be in that situation, to an extent, because his daughter is also gone.
ReplyDelete