In Ralph Ellison's "Battle Royal," the narrator is a young, African American man who is struggling to find his place in a society that is deeply entrenched in racism and discrimination. The story begins with the narrator's grandfather, who tells him that he must "keep [his] head and face toward the sun, and [his] feet moving." This message serves as a metaphor for the narrator's journey as he tries to navigate the obstacles that are placed in front of him by a society that does not value or respect him as a person.
One of the main themes of "Battle Royal" is the idea of the "invisible man." The narrator is constantly overshadowed and overlooked by those around him, even as he strives to make his mark in the world. He is invited to give a speech at a gathering of white businessmen, but instead of being treated with respect and dignity, he is humiliated and degraded in a "battle royal," a violent and degrading spectacle in which he is forced to fight other African American men for the entertainment of the white audience.
Through the battle royal, Ellison demonstrates the way in which African Americans were dehumanized and treated as nothing more than objects of entertainment and ridicule. The narrator is forced to perform tricks and stunts in order to please the white audience, and even when he tries to give a sincere and thoughtful speech, he is drowned out by the chaos and violence of the battle royal. This scene serves as a metaphor for the way in which African Americans were consistently held back and prevented from achieving their full potential in a society that was hostile and discriminatory towards them.
Another significant theme in "Battle Royal" is the idea of identity and self-discovery. The narrator is struggling to find his place in the world and to define himself as an individual, rather than being defined by the expectations and prejudices of those around him. This struggle is exemplified by the various names that are given to the narrator throughout the story, including "boy," "nigger," and "invisible man." Each of these labels serves to reinforce the idea that the narrator is not seen as a full and complex individual, but rather as a stereotype or a faceless entity.
Despite the challenges and setbacks that he faces, the narrator remains determined to forge his own path and to find his own voice. He ultimately decides to reject the expectations and limitations placed on him by society, and to embrace his own identity and agency. This act of self-assertion is a powerful and empowering moment, and serves as a symbol of the resilience and determination of the African American community in the face of oppression and discrimination.
In conclusion, "Battle Royal" is a thought-provoking and poignant exploration of race, identity, and discrimination in American society. Through the experiences of the narrator, Ellison exposes the deep-seated prejudices and injustices that have shaped the lives of African Americans for centuries, and he challenges readers to confront these issues and to work towards a more equitable and inclusive society.
