Question

\how can you starve your children?\ my mother asked.

\let richard stay with me,\ my father said.

\do you want to stay with your father, richard?\ my mother asked.

o,\ i said.

\youll get plenty to eat,\ he said.

\im hungry now,\ i told him. \but i wont stay with you.\

what does the excerpt convey about wrights personality as a child?

he was stubborn and proud.
he was afraid of his father.
he was shy and deferential.
he was easily influenced by others.

Explanation:

Analyze the dialogue and character actions

Using the Richard Wright Analysis and Childhood Narrative Voice knowledge points
The excerpt shows a young Richard Wright interacting with his parents during a difficult family moment. When his father offers him food to stay ("You'll get plenty to eat"), Richard responds directly: "I'm hungry now... But I won't stay with you."

Evaluate character traits

Using the Characterization knowledge point
Richard's refusal to stay with his father, despite being actively hungry and knowing his father has food, demonstrates a strong sense of pride and a stubborn refusal to compromise his feelings for material comfort. He is neither afraid, shy, nor easily influenced, as he openly speaks his mind to his father.

Match with the correct option

Using the Characterization knowledge point
Richard's direct refusal ("But I won't stay with you") while admitting his hunger ("I'm hungry now") highlights that he is stubborn and proud, directly matching the first option.

Answer:

• (A) He was stubborn and proud. (Correct answer)
• (B) He was afraid of his father.
• (C) He was shy and deferential.
• (D) He was easily influenced by others.