At the end of book 1, I did feel kind of bad for Bigger. Even though he had just committed a horrible crime, it was apparent that he had done it out of fear. I felt really bad for Bigger when he actually realized what he did because he knew that no matter what happened he would get the worst possible punishment because of the color of his skin. I stopped feeling sympathy for Bigger as soon as he decided to get rid of her body. I know he was scared when he did it and he was trying to protect himself, but he had other options (he could have left the body there). In Book II, I still have some sympathy for Bigger. He was still trying to protect himself from the murder which was not completely his fault. I do have a lot less sympathy for Bigger because of some of the things he does in Book II. I think he made a big deal about emptying the ashes out of the furnace, which led to the discovery of Mary's remains, which led to Bigger running away, (and I read ahead, so here comes a potential spoiler) which led to Bessie's murder. The reason I have less sympathy for Bigger in Book II is because I think he had more control over what he did, but everything he did he did out of fear. He didn't have to make a big deal about the furnace and he didn't have to run away. He didn't have to get Bessie involved by telling her what he had done. I think no matter what I will feel a little bit of sympathy for Bigger because the oppression put on him by society which caused Mary's murder.