The story of “Battle Royal” by Ralph Ellison is an iconic piece of literature that provides a powerful commentary on the state of racism in America. It follows a young black man as he struggles to fit into white society and find success, only to be met with discrimination and cruel exploitation. In “Battle Royal”, Ellison uses vivid imagery and symbolism to explore themes such as oppression, powerlessness, perseverance, and the need for conformity among minorities. While it may be easy to dismiss this story simply as a scathing critique of racial injustice in the United States at the time, there is much more to unpack beyond its surface-level message. In particular, Ellison’s incorporation of symbolism serves to shed light on how even today minorities are expected to conform in order to achieve success while sacrificing their individuality in the process.
Argumentative essay on the story of battle royal By Ralph elliot
One of the primary symbols used in Battle Royal is that of an actual battle royal between blindfolded men inside a boxing ring. This gruesome spectacle not only symbolizes how African Americans were treated like animals during times when they had no rights or representation; but also suggests how these individuals had no say or control over their own lives due to them being forced into a situation where they could not see what was happening around them or have any hope for escape due speculation from others who kept them contained within this arena through both brutality and intimidation tactics. The fact that each fighter was required perform complicated tasks without sight further emphasizes how difficult it can be for minorities overcome social obstacles when deprived of even basic resources needed succeed such as education or employment opportunities due systemic racism existing within our society which often prevents marginalized communities from advancing themselves regardless hard work put forth individually each person striving reach their full potentials regardless color skin race religion etcetera
Furthermore Ellison makes usage other objects throughout “Battle Royal” further aid his exploration above mentioned themes such coin given protagonist after winning fight against other opponents signifying weighted value given him second class citizenry despite triumph over adversaries from same station life symbolizing worthless nature prize given him contrast accomplishments those whom he competing against; presence electric carpet which shocks participants whenever establish contact with it repulsion people towards characters desires goals purposes would otherwise considered noble if system corrupt didn’t exist; fake money scattered floor conveying false promise wealth ends up being nothing but paper once all said done creating illusion illusory dreams becoming reality something constantly perpetuated amongst lower classes society whose dreams unable come fruition due oppressive forces keeping margins means nothing more than two cents worth metal coins themselves representing broken chains one escapes merely passed onto someone else eventually leading nowhere mention image painting hanging overhead depicting dead soldier wearing blue uniform white hat emphasizing necessity conforming expectations certain group order gain approval recognition while achieving detriment entire population country divided loyalties causes suffering everyone involved conflict rather than prosperity benefit particularly few running show
All these symbols combined help illustrate notions idea conformity pressure minority groups feel order gain advantage gaining favor higher classes ones whom hold power positions dictating terms conditions lives those below them along with concept irrelevancy rewards achieved goes unnoticed greater scheme things ultimately making individual efforts futile attempt bettering themselves break out cycle poverty inequality oppression subjugation which still exists some degree today despite advances been made relation civil liberties since then . By utilizing simple yet effective metaphors resonate readers better grasp ideas behind story Ralph Ellison able provide his audience thought provoking material encouraging contemplate implications specific battles fought past present have upon various cultures societies providing invaluable insight reflecting upon our shared history nation where liberation freedom aren’t just concepts words but tangible realities every single person living here capable taking part enjoying irrespective backgrounds creeds contributions