IM Reading Questions Chapter 1 and 2

Chapter 1

1.     How does the Battle Royal illuminate to the narrator the differences between Blacks and Whites?

There was a striking contrast between the Blacks and Whites as one could see their differing behaviors. This is clearly seen during the Battle Royal as the Whites use the Blacks as entertainment, with treatment similar to that of animals. In addition, while the Whites insisted on the Blacks to beat themselves up, the Blacks faced the fear of even doing this, because it seemed terrifying.

2.     What shocking surprises does the narrator have that night?

He notices a naked blond woman dancing on the stage. He was shocked by what he was witnessing, and observed how the men in the audience reacted. He also includes his feelings toward her, which would mean nothing because he would never reach that desire.

3.     How does the Battle Royal symbolize the narrator’s struggle for identity?

In the Battle Royal, the narrator is blind folded and put out to fight, as he sees nothing, or who attacks. Yet, he still keeps fighting, just like in real life, even though he is blind by what really goes on because he is not in the White society. He struggles to be seen and make a name for himself.

4.     How does it symbolize the plight of Blacks in that time period in general?

As the narrator tells his experience, one can tell that even if they try to be acknowledged for their achievements, they would merely be looked at as a source of entertainment.  It illustrates their struggle of being invisible, and how they have to work hard to be of equal importance.

5.     The narrator gives a number of speeches throughout the novel. This is the first. Study it carefully and write a brief summary. What is the topic and why is that topic ironic?

The speech embodies the beliefs of Booker T. Washington. One is to rely on the superior population, instead of working hard to be successful. As he includes the words of this famous figure, he states “social equality” which is quickly taken back and replaced with “social responsibility” after several angry remarks from the crowd. This clearly demonstrates what the narrator truly believes, but how he is only praised when working towards what Booker had envisioned.

6.     In what ways are the Blacks at the smoker humiliated? Why do the White men take such pleasure in that humiliation?

They are humiliated when they are forced to fight in the Battle Royal blindfolded. In addition, they are tricked when trying to retrieve the so-called money from the electrified rug. They take pleasure because they think that their ambitions are a joke, and they feel that they are superior to all races.  It is sort of an arrogant behavior.

7.     The narrator clings to the White man’s chair and thinks of tossing the man on the electrified rug. How does this scene symbolize the consequences of Black rebellion in a White world?

Even though he tries to throw the white man along with all the other blacks, he does not succeed. This symbolizes the inability to succeed when confronting the white society.

8.     List all reference to the image of blindness.

“I wanted to see, to see more desperately than ever before.”

“Blindfolded, I could no longer control my motions.”

"But now I felt a sudden fit of blind terror..."

"The boys groped about like blind, cautious crabs crouching to protect their mid-sections..."

9.     What is the significance of the narrator’s dream at the end of the chapter?

It refers back to his grandfather and his wishes. The grandfather wanted them to fight and not just have help from the superior. Being dependent on them wasn’t going to be enough, so one had to keep running until they gained what they desired.

Chapter 2

1.     How does the statue of the founder fit into the sight imagery begun in the Prologue?

The statue is the Founder, who has his hands outstretched “in the breath taking gesture of lifting a veil…above the face of a kneeling slave.” The question is whether he is lifting it or actually putting it back into place. This connects to the blindness because the White society would still blind the Blacks, simply because they have the power to do so, given that many kneel before them for help, as suggested by Booker T. Washington.

2.     Look at the “Maxims of Emerson” handout. Are Norton’s comments ironic? Why or why not?

Handout was not given to me!

3.     Notice that Norton smokes a cigar. Does this connect him to other men of power? Who?

Yes- this goes back to the Battle Royal where all the lawyers, bankers, and rest were smoking in the audience.

4.     Do you sense anything unnatural about Norton’s relationship with his daughter? On p. 51.

She is described in a way that most fathers would not describe their daughters.. It is almost in a sexual way as he states that she was “more perfect and more delicate than the wildest dream of a poet. “ He finds it difficult to believe she is actually his daughter.

5.     Norton seems amazed that Trueblood has “looked upon chaos and [is] not destroyed.” What do you make of this comment?

He means that Trueblood has gone through the chaotic situation of having a baby with both his wife and daughter and yet remain “undestroyed” or without any affects. He believes such thing would cause him to be ruined in character, but he was well reserved as nothing had happened.

6.     How might the clock in Trueblood’s dream symbolize the modern mechanized world?

The clock keeps going faster, and Trueblood can’t seem to reach it. The modern world is the same- time is quicker, and everything is faster. Something that used to last 12 hours can now last 1.

7.     Do you find any symbolism in Trueblood’s name?

Yes- the actions he has committed are sins, making him no longer pure. Thus, his blood is not “true”.

8.     Did you find the incest story disturbing? Why does Ellison include it?

I did find it disturbing. I think Ellison included it in order to bring out the worst in humanity, and how wretched it could be. Trueblood is a striking contrast to the narrator, for they both have completely different stories. However, both are black, so whites would view them the same. This comes to show that Trueblood is what a white society would typically think of, while the narrator would be the one to defy those beliefs.

9.     Read the final paragraph on p. 67 that begins “Things got to happenin’ right off.” What do you make of the White community’s willingness to help Trueblood? How does this relate to the grandfather’s deathbed speech?

I think that Trueblood’s actions were what any white community would imagine for a black male. Them helping him would still give a sense of superiority and mocking pity, for they believed he was someone who needed help from the “friendly boat.” This relates to the grandfather’s speech because it goes back to looking for help from the superiors instead of working hard on your own. In this case, if he had not gained help from the white community, he would not have his family or anything. That is what the white society would have over him.