Please grab your English binder before you sit down. Then, open up to your “Do Now” section of your binder.

Do NOW!Define “juxtaposition.”Explain how the protagonist’s

name in “Big Boy Leaves Home” is a juxtaposition.

ReviewHow would you characterize Big

Boy in the story thus far?How does he compare and / or

contrast to Buck, Bobo, and Lester?

Group Work

A. Describe Big Boy’s qualities.

B. In what ways do Big Boy’s friends lack the qualities he possesses?

C. Cite at least two different examples of animal imagery in association with Big Boy.

D. Explain the significance of the animal imagery in relation to Big Boy. Why does Wright depict him as such animals?

DiscussionChoose a reporter in your group

to speak. Be sure that your group reporter is ready to answer any questions posed by Ms. Rodriguez.

ParagraphNow that your group is done filling in each

category, put your work into a complete paragraph. Be sure that your paragraph consists of all necessary components. ◦ Your paragraph should also have transitions,

appropriately cited evidence, and a variation of sentences

Your paragraph is independent work. You should not copy any of your group members’ paragraphs.

Prompt: How does Big Boy address the misconceptions and stigmas placed on African Americans at this time? Is he validating or challenging them?◦ Make sure to include the literary devices you use in

your response.

Sample Paragraph In the first section of “Big Boy Leaves Home,” the protagonist

named Big Boy is characterized as a strong and cautious animal-like leader. Contrary to his other adolescent friends Buck, Bobo, and Lester Big Boy is not only superior because he is large is size, but also because he possesses a maturity that his friends do not. However, in the beginning of the story, Big Boy is repeatedly demeaned, as he is compared to several animals. This animal imagery serves many purposes in Wright’s literary work. For example, when Big Boy’s friends suggest going for a swim in the forbidden creek, Big Boy cautiously declines, aware of the possible consequences. One of the boys challenges him by stating, “Aa, c mon! Don be a heel!,” referring to Big Boy as a dog (84). While Big Boy is acting very cautiously like a timid dog, he is in fact demonstrating his sensibility that his friends lack. In another instance, Big Boy defeats his friends when they playfully attack him. As the end of “Section I” ends, Big Boy explains to his friends that he is a “smart niggger” while “thrusting out his chest” (180), making himself seem gorilla-like. With the combination of juxtaposition and animal imagery, Wright uses Big Boy to protest against the stigma placed on African Americans.

Share WorkDocument camera

Let’s Read Part II of “Big Boy Leaves Home”While reading, continue to

identify examples of animal imagery in addition to other literary devices.

Also, pay attention and take notes on how Big Boy is developing / changing.