Ralph Ellison’s story “Battle Royal” was written. It begins with a flashback to what happened many years ago. A black man is the narrator. He narrates the story of his grandfather’s passing and the wise words that he left his son (Father, to the narrator). The story is set in small towns, according to the narrator. The story is about how the interactions between the white and black people were challenged. This story focuses on the racial inequality before equality was achieved many years later. In order to be able to succeed in a world that is dominated white, the boy/narrator must remember his grandfather’s words. The narrator tells us that his grandfather was a slave who also served as a spy. The grandson was also oppressed by the whites. Thesis statement. Ralph Ellison’s Battle Royal uses symbolism. This reveals how Whiteman was oppressing African Americans.
First, the story uses the grandfather’s words before he died. These are: “Son when I am gone, please keep up your good fight …” Ellison (112).” It is not possible to fight well if you don’t have to suffer and overcome obstacles to win the fight. The father of the narrator needed to fight for his place in a world dominated by whites. All blacks or slaves had to stay below the white people. This symbolism reflects the fact that African American families and parents required their children to be composed while fighting for equal rights in a society where there was no equality. Second, Ellison (112), who is the grandfather of our narrator, said other noteworthy words. This simply means that the Whiteman is the lion. A lion, a strong and dangerous animal that is capable of defeating its enemies in nearly every situation, is considered to be the most powerful. This is why the old man warned his people against any white man who could do anything for the black community. When he was blindfolded, the narrator put his hand in the mouth of the lion. The narrator had a great speech. His face was covered in blood and he was badly bruised. It is easier to state that Africans are strong, motivated people. The narrator showed this by being able to take the beatings and deliver the speech. Slavery was a time when Africans suffered many hardships. Some of these problems were deliberately caused by white people to make sure they didn’t die or get hurt. Even winning the scholarship and giving his speech was not easy. The narrator was not able to avoid the humiliation and scolding. He was the brightest young African among them and was therefore punished.
Third, it was symbolic to be blindfolded. The African community was on the battlefield so many more times than the white man. They fought exactly like the boys but didn’t know what or why they were fighting. It was perhaps the only way that the black man and his community could get the things they wanted. During the slavery period, when oppression was common, blacks were kept apart from whites in certain places. White people could only use certain schools, restaurants, or vehicles. The boys were fighting in the ring. According to the narrator, he could get so many punches at once. He was then curious if other members of the ring were blindfolded as he or her.
The electrified rug was fourth. According to the narration, ten boys participated in the ring fight and were now subject to another test. The boys had to choose the bills and money from the electrified carpet. Their hands would ache so much and they would be electrocuted each time they tried. It was hard work. The white people thrived watching the blacks suffer. It was common to lack equality and respect for people from different races and origins. Black boys were often beaten, threatened or scolded by whites. The reason why white people couldn’t believe an African child would give such a great speech is because they were unable to believe it! “Gentlemen! I didn’t overplaud the boy …”.
(122) These words were spoken by one superintendent who had explained to the whites the story’s narrator. They had doubts regarding him and that he represented the entire African American/slave communities.
Fifth, the award was given to the narrator as a symbol of how easily Africans forget and allow white people control them. The boys are shocked to see the money from the electrified carpet. I believe the boys had experienced enough. They didn’t need sugarcoating. They were battered after being humiliated. “Come on boys, get your money …” (199). The narrator said this to the boys as they ran for their money. After all his struggles, the narrator received a scholarship. He was able to continue living his life according to his grandfather’s words: “Son, after my death, I want to see you fight …”” Ellison (112).
The Battle royal was also a symbolism. This was a battle the Blacks had to win in order to be granted equality in Whiteman’s Land. The Africans had to follow the Whiteman’s instructions before they could be accepted into such a society. One man told the boys that he saw a boy “over there.” “I want you to run to the bell and give it right to his belly. I’m going after you if he doesn’t grab me. His looks are not my favorite. Ellison (115-116). The white man wanted to ensure that black people would fight one another so they could become enemies. This was the only reason why blacks were left with no choice but to obey.
The story had a lot of symbolism, and the stories included themes like slavery and pain. The ten blindfolded boys, the electrified carpet, the money and award that were given to them, as well as the grandfather’s comments about inter- and co-existence with whites, was the best example of symbolism. The story clearly shows the humiliation and pain that black Americans experienced back in those days. It was worth fighting for equality, just as freedom from discrimination is possible today.
