Black Boy

Black Boy Summary | Chapter 1 Summary

In this first chapter, we are introduced to the main character, Richard and the members of his family all of whom are poor, black and living in the Natchez, Tennessee of the early days of the 20^th century.

Four year-old Richard, the oldest of two children, is attempting to obey his mother's instructions to "make no noise" as his Grandmother is cared for during a serious illness. Frustration, curiosity, and the ego only a teasing younger brother can evoke, lead Richard to what is the first in a series of behaviors that are to mark him, in the eyes of most of his family, as a "bad" boy for years to come.

Before the first chapter ends, Richard burns down his grandparents' house and kills a cat in an attempt to show up his father. In addition, after moving to Memphis with his parents, he becomes an alcoholic, while learning every dirty word and phrase the regulars in the neighborhood saloon can teach him - all before he enters primary school!

Shortly after moving to Memphis, Richard's father abandons the family and Richard begins to experience the physical and mental hunger that will follow him for years to come. Unable to convince her husband to support his children and, subsequently, unable to pay her rent or feed her children properly, Richard's mother places him and his brother in an orphanage.