Fear is a curious emotion. It can make you do terrible things. For instance, fear can make you murder the daughter of your generous employer. At least, that is what fear makes Bigger Thomas do. Bigger is a young, black man who lives on the south side of Chicago in a one-room apartment with his mother, younger brother and sister. He is caged by the close quarters, poverty and by the color of his skin. Bigger must choose: take a job as a chauffeur for a rich white family, steal or starve. Bigger takes the job, because he’s damned if he doesn’t; but this unfortunate man is condemned when he does.
