Character Analysis
Who is the narrator of the "Battle Royal"?
The narrator is a young African American boy
What is the central theme of the story?
The central theme is racial oppression
What do the blindfolds symbolize in the story?
The blindfolds symbolize ignorance, disempowerment, and the inability to see the truth about racial inequality and the manipulation African Americans experience in society.
When was Up from Slavery published?
1901
What narrative point of view is used in "Battle Royal"?
The story is told from the first-person perspective
What does the narrator want to prove to the white men?
The narrator wants to prove that he is deserving of their respect
How does the story address the concept of race?
The story depicts the brutality and humiliation African Americans
What does the briefcase represent?
The briefcase represents the white men’s token of control and superiority, as they use it as a tool to keep the narrator and the other boys in line, offering them money as a reward for their humiliation.
What major historical event does Washington’s autobiography respond to?
The autobiography responds to the post-Reconstruction period and the rise of Jim Crow laws that severely restricted the rights and opportunities of African Americans in the South.
What type of irony is present in the story?
The story uses situational irony
What role does the older man play in the "Battle Royal"?
The older man advises the narrator to accept the humiliation and remain subservient to gain the white men’s approval.
What does the narrator's humiliation symbolize in society?
The narrator’s humiliation symbolizes the dehumanization of African Americans in the Jim Crow South
What is the significance of the "golden ticket" in the story?
The "golden ticket" is symbolic of the false promise of opportunity and success that the narrator is given. It is a deceptive token that ultimately leads to more degradation rather than empowerment.
What was the social status of African Americans in the South during Washington's time?
African Americans were subjected to severe racial discrimination, segregation, disenfranchisement, and violence under Jim Crow laws, which limited their economic, social, and political freedoms.
How does Washington use imagery in the scene?
Washington uses vivid imagery to describe the chaotic and violent nature of the battle, including physical descriptions of the fight and the brutal setting
Who are the other boys involved in the battle?
The other boys are also African American youths
What theme is suggested by the narrator’s acceptance of the money at the end?
The theme of compromise and survival—despite being degraded, the narrator takes the money, signifying his need to conform to the expectations of white society to secure his future.
DAILY DOUBLE: What does the woman's tattoo represent?
Objectification
How did Booker T. Washington's educational philosophy differ from W.E.B. Du Bois’s?
Washington promoted vocational and industrial education, believing it would help African Americans gain respect and economic independence. Du Bois, on the other hand, advocated for higher education and political activism to achieve civil rights and equality.
What type of conflict does the narrator face in the story?
The narrator faces internal conflict as he struggles between wanting to conform and succeed in the white-dominated society while also feeling humiliated and dehumanized by the experience.
What is the significance of the "mentor" figure in the story?
The older man, who tells the narrator to "take it," symbolizes the older generation’s belief in submission as a strategy for survival
How does Washington use the idea of submission as a theme?
Washington shows that submission can be a survival tactic in a racially oppressive society, but it also causes internal conflict, as the narrator is left questioning his own dignity and worth.
How does the boxing ring function as a symbol in "Battle Royal"?
The boxing ring symbolizes the societal structure that forces African Americans into competition with each other while simultaneously ensuring their subjugation by white society. It is a place where they are pitted against one another for the amusement of the powerful.
What role did the "Atlanta Compromise" play in Washington’s ideas about race?
The "Atlanta Compromise" was Washington’s famous speech where he proposed that African Americans should focus on vocational education and economic self-sufficiency while accepting segregation and disenfranchisement in exchange for white support for their education and economic advancement.
How does Washington use stream of consciousness in the story?
Washington uses stream of consciousness to convey the narrator’s confused and overwhelmed thoughts, especially during the battle