Ralph Ellison's Use of Imagery in "Battle Royal"

Ralph Ellison's nameless protagonist in "Battle Royal" is a young African American struggling to find his place in society in the early twentieth century American South. Rather than provide the reader with an essay of statistics and facts about racial discrimination, Ellison chose to create a short story full of imagery and satire that allows the reader to step into the horrific experiences of the young man. More importantly, Ellison uses the key events of "Battle Royal" to satirically depict real cultural issues affecting African American society throughout history.

Early in the story, we learn that the central character is graduating from high school. He is considered an excellent speaker, and an all white men's club invites him to present his graduation speech at their meeting. At this time the young man believes in the accommodationist philosophy for his race: "I visualized myself as a potential Booker T. Washington" (939). His speech focuses on humility and preaches that through humility progress will be made. But once he arrives at the club, he is asked to participate in the other activities of the night.