After Uncle Tom asks Wright, as he is waking up a question, Wright replied with an unfit answer, and Uncle Tom began to threaten Wright with a beating. Wright quickly became very angry because he was once again being physically hurt by something he didn't justifiably deserve. He felt like his uncle had no power or control over him, and he had no right to beat him because of that lack of respect between both of them. Wright's relationship with his uncle was that of two strangers almost, and Wright knew that his uncle was no person that he should be learning from. His anger not only stemmed from the actual threat but he also was infuriated at the idea that someone could do this, and consider it logical. He didn't defend himself physically but when he talked about never wanting to become like his uncle, it was affirmation that Wright is looking for the bigger picture and striving to overcome the racist and abuse he experiences now.