Race

Race is the most prominent theme of the novel. Fleming is a Briton and the novel reflects his views towards race and his view of America in the 1950s. The characters constantly use epitaphs that today are considered demeaning, racist and unacceptable. African-American characters are always referred to as 'negroes' while white characters are just men or women. The terms 'nigger,' 'chinamen,' and 'jap' are also used. The use of negro is meant largely to help make the story clear but also reflects the inherent racism of the day. The 1950s are a time of racial unrest in America as African Americans begin to demand equal rights. This feeling is also portrayed in the story. Mr. Big says there have already been successful African-Americans in other fields and he is the first great 'negro criminal.' The use of this racial language is often uncomfortable and...