Why does bigger feel a hot hate and fear toward Gus?

Answer 1

Bigger feels a deep-seated hate and fear toward Gus because he perceives Gus as a rival and a threat to his own status and identity. Their shared experiences as Black men in a racially oppressive society exacerbate Bigger's insecurities, leading him to project his frustrations and fears onto Gus. This dynamic is rooted in Bigger's internalized racism and the societal pressures that dictate his sense of power and vulnerability. Ultimately, his hatred stems from a mixture of envy, fear of competition, and the oppressive environment that shapes their lives.