Essay Questions

Why is the protagonist in the book ‘Man Gone Down’ feeling that he does not belong to this society?

The author portrays the narrator as a failed man because of his inferiority complex. The protagonist is a non-white who suffers from an inferiority complex, which has mostly hindered his success. He is married to a white man, and they have three children together. The narrator is convinced that he is not loved in this society because of his race. However, the reader realizes that the people around the narrator mind their business, but he feels uneasy because he is a non-white. The narrator also thinks that he is compromising the happiness of his children because of the mixed-race factor.

What is the emblematic meaning of the protagonist’s race?

The protagonist’s race represents the inferiority feeling among the non-whites. The narrator does not stop to think about future generations when all people will be treated equally regardless of their skin color. Throughout his life, the narrator has gotten used to being called 'nigger', which degrades his human status. Therefore, the narrator's inferiority complex reflects what many non-whites are going through, so they lag in most aspects. The mixed-race children continue to be subjected to discrimination, and this hinders their success.

How does Clare fulfill the Biblical interpretation of the role of a wife?

According to the Bible in the book of Proverbs chapter fourteen, verse one, the wife can either build or destroy her home using her own hands. Interestingly, Clare has chosen to make her home despite the numerous tribulations and challenges that her family faces. Her husband is suffering from mental due to the inferiority complex. She stands by her husband, always supporting and encouraging him that all shall be well. Clare believes in her husband and reminds him that the past should not dictate their future. Therefore, Clare symbolizes the strength of a woman and a strong family pillar.