This data shows that religious practices help African Americans deal with racism and discrimination (Ellison, Musick, and Henderson 291). For example, after Bigger faints during the inquest in Native Son, Mrs. Thomas visits Bigger in prison and brings a preacher with her to give Bigger hope. Mrs. Thomas states, “'I'm praying for you, son. This is all I can do now'” (Wright 277). Mrs. Thomas tries to bring God into Bigger's life, so that he can face the terrible circumstances that surround him. Wright uses the literary element of the character with Mrs. Thomas, a devout Christian, to show how she dealt with the horrific psychological effects of