The Right to the Streets of Memphis

Plot

The narrator experiences severe hunger after his father leaves. His mother gets a job and makes him learn to take responsibility. When a gang steals his grocery money, his mother forces him to return. He finally fights the gang, gets the groceries, and feels he has earned the right to the streets.

Main character

Young Richard Wright, who begins frightened and dependent but becomes more courageous and independent.

Mother

Forces Wright to face danger and teaches him that he must learn to take care of himself.

Father

His absence causes the family to lose its main source of food and contributes to Wright's hunger.

Hero

Wright becomes the hero by facing the gang and overcoming his fear.

Hero as Warrior

Wright physically fights the gang to defend himself.

Initiate

Wright is forced to mature and become responsible because of his family's hardship.

The Task

Wright must go to the store, get the groceries, and return despite the gang.

Road of Trials

Wright faces hunger, his father's disappearance, new responsibilities, the gang's attack, and the final fight.

The Fall

Wright loses some of his childhood innocence when he realizes his family's serious situation.

Crossroads

Wright must choose between staying home and facing punishment or going into the dangerous streets.

Haven vs. Wilderness

Home represents safety while the streets represent danger and the unknown.

Main theme

Hardship and responsibility can force a child to overcome fear and become independent.

Test clue

A young person forced to mature through a difficult experience suggests the Initiate archetype.