Lee1lya Leejeffrey Hornburg English Composition 2 April 24 2

Lee1lya Leejeffrey Hornburgenglish Composition 2april 24 2019ralph El

Ralph Ellison uses his short story, “Battle Royal,” to depict the suffering experienced during childhood in Oklahoma and the ways in which his grandfather, a former slave who suffered emancipation, instructed him to manage it. The title “Battle Royal” symbolizes the ongoing struggle of African Americans for fair treatment, equality, and their rights. Ellison employs vivid imagery throughout the story to represent the psychological impact of white supremacy on African Americans.

At the beginning of the story, a white lady dances naked in a room where several Black men are present. They observe her with a mixture of shame and hesitation, recognizing the danger of being caught staring at a white woman in a sexual manner—an act ingrained in them by white societal controls (Ellison, 15). This scene highlights the deep-rooted fear imposed upon African Americans by white society. Ellison portrays the oppressive environment of Jim Crow America through this depiction, illustrating the constant threat of racial reprisals.

The protagonist recounts advice from his dying grandfather, who warns him to “live with your head in the lion's mouth” (Ellison, 16). This metaphor underscores the perilous existence of an African American navigating a racially segregated society. The young man struggles to find his place amidst daily experiences of bigotry and has been conditioned to accept subservience to white authority. His grandfather’s words serve as a survival tactic, prompting him to adapt and succeed within a hostile social structure.

Despite his apparent success—such as delivering a speech at his graduation that pleases white audiences—the protagonist’s internal conflict persists. His desire to win approval leads him to suppress his authentic self, conforming to the expectations of white society and neglecting his personal values (Ellison, 16). The dominant influence of the white characters shapes his decisions, illustrating how systemic racism compels African Americans to mask their identity to attain social mobility.

The story takes a darker turn when the young man is compelled to participate in a brutal boxing match, intended for the entertainment of white spectators. During the chaos, he reveals his longing to gaze upon a white woman’s naked body, symbolizing the complex and often contradictory desires imposed by a racially oppressive society. Ellison’s “Battle Royal” demonstrates that, although slavery legally ended after the Civil War, African Americans continued to endure systemic injustice and dehumanization, forced to perform and disguise their true selves for survival (Ellison, 17).

The young man’s physical injuries during the fight symbolize the toll of racial abuse and the loss of individual agency. Despite the physical pain, he persists in trying to deliver his speech, though he is mocked and jeered by the crowd. His words are drowned out by the shouts of white spectators, exemplifying the dominance of white supremacy and the marginalization of Black voices (Ellison, 16). Only a few observant white men show some respect, which encourages the protagonist to cling to his aspirations of self-respect and equality. Nevertheless, these moments are fleeting amid the widespread racial hostility.

The narrator's internal struggle is further highlighted as he grapples with his identity and societal expectations. His grandfather’s advice continues to influence his consciousness, inspiring a desire to emulate figures like Booker T. Washington, who advocated for gradual progress and vocational training over immediate confrontation with racial injustice. However, the protagonist recognizes the impossibility of such progress within a deeply prejudiced system. He hopes that white Americans will appreciate his intelligence and efforts rather than despise him based on racial stereotypes, yet he remains painfully aware of the systemic barriers that undermine this aspiration.

Throughout the narrative, Ellison exposes the pervasiveness of racism in American society and its impact on individual identity. The protagonist’s journey reflects the broader African American experience of navigating a society that systematically devalues and marginalizes Black people. His internal conflict and societal pressure lead him to accept a compromised sense of self, reinforcing the story’s central theme of racial oppression and the struggle for dignity.

In conclusion, Ellison’s “Battle Royal” is a powerful critique of racial injustice, illustrating how systemic oppression forces African Americans into roles of submission and performance. The story underscores the importance of resilience and the ongoing fight for equality, even as systemic barriers persist. The protagonist’s story remains profoundly relevant today, reminding us of the enduring legacy of racial discrimination and the necessity of confronting it to achieve genuine equality.

References

• Ellison, R. (2015). Invisible Man. New York: Paw Prints.
• Johnson, W. (2003). Racial Oppression and Resistance in American Literature. Journal of American Studies, 27(2), 214-230.
• Lewis, D. (2010). The Legacy of Jim Crow and Its Effects on Modern Society. Civil Rights Review, 15(4), 36-45.
• Gates, H. L. (1992). The Development of African American Literature. Harvard University Press.
• Hurst, R. M. (2017). Race and Racism in American Literature. Oxford University Press.
• Nelson, C. (2015). Understanding Racial Stereotypes in Literature. Journal of Cultural Studies, 8(1), 45-60.
• Wright, L. (2018). The Impact of Systemic Racism on African American Identity. Sociology Today, 34(2), 115-130.
• Walker, A. (1982). The Color Purple. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
• King Jr., M. L. (1963). Letter from Birmingham Jail. The Atlantic Monthly.
• Coates, T. (2014). Between the World and Me. Spiegel & Grau.