When his fellow students read the story, they don't understand Richard's motivation for writing and Richard grows more isolated. His relatives are highly critical, believing the story to be the Devil's work. But Richard's dream of writing continues to grow, despite the educational system in the South and the stifling Jim Crow laws. Little by little with his increasing interaction with white people, Richard learns more about their dismissive attitude towards black people. He is treated inhumanely when he is not given medical attention for the dog bite.
Whites carry the attitude that black laborers are unsusceptible to anything.
He receives only negative feedback. It is ironic that one of Richard's most meaningful achievements serves only to isolate him more from his environment. Instead of praise, Richard is seen as different. Wright reflects upon the fact that racism and prejudice are products not only of the attitude of whites in the South, but are products of the educational system. Black children are taught in ignorance, given no goals or motivation grow as intellectuals.