Black Boy-Theme of Hunger By: Tan Ly

The theme of hunger persists throughout Black Boy. Richard shows not only his hunger for food, but hunger for knowledge and acceptance of who he is and how others see him. Richard's physical hunger surpasses his hunger for knowledge and acceptance, giving us perspective for his feelings and his living conditions. Poverty did not limit Richard's desire for education; he found his own opportunities to learn. Physical hunger was a constant problem in Black Boy. …

…north. Richard's life shows that experiences have a large impact on our lives, and that what people say and do affects others. His hunger drives him, and the search for understanding is what he longs for. He learns from his actions, he learns from schooling, he learns from the people in his life, and he learns from living, which ultimately gives him a sense of belonging, and a sense of identity he was looking for.