Blog post #2

One of the main things Richard hungers for is knowledge. He constantly reads books and asks question because he longs to learn new things and better understand the world around him. When he first starts school he has a desire to learn, and because of this desire he excelled and is able to skip a grade in only two weeks. Although Richard’s craving for intelligence is a good thing, it brought many negative effects because the white society around him does not want African-Americans to know anything. For instance when Richard starts working in the optical company, his intention was to gain knowledge of the optical trade. Unfortunately, he does not have the chance to learn anything and when he asks questions he is reprimanded. When Richard asks one of the men to learn something about the trade, the man exclaims, “This is a white man’s work around here” (188) cutting Richard off from any hopes of learning about such work. These white men who feel he is not worthy of knowledge eventually drive out Richard after bullying and torturing him.
Secondly, Richard has a thirst for bigger and better things. His main ambition for a long time is to move up north and make something of his life. He does whatever he has to do in order to save enough money. The problem with the strength of his desire to move away combined with his lack of income is that he resorts to illegal acts in order to achieve it. He makes most of his money from reselling tickets at the movie theatre, and stealing and reselling food from the local college storehouse. Though Richard doesn’t get caught he is later troubled by the wrong of his doings. A positive outcome of Richard’s wanting to move away is the fact that it gives him something to strive for. Richard does not just want to live his life being less than he is capable of being; he wants more. His life at home is unfulfilling and consumed with pain and loneliness. Richard’s hopes and dreams will lead him to do great things in the future and he will be happier with his life.