Battle Royal Essay, Research Paper

The story “Battle Royal” portraits how human race can be capable of such sadistic

actions against themselves. Indeed, the only reason why this actions are being taken is on

the account of someone’s skin color.

The “universal truth” as it’s stated, is clearly the real definition of human behavior.

By describing the situation, the scenery, and the plot in this story, Ralph Ellison unravels

and defines this phrase as the hidden window of a human soul; full of hatred, racism, and

anarchy. For instance, when the boy is being blind folded, hit, and made fun off; or when

police officers and the school board participate as part of the audience in the brutal beating

of young boys. Clearly, not only does this show hatred, racism, and anarchy but it also

shows self diminishing and a corrupted society.

Throughout the story, many scenes have described human nature as cruel,

dominant, and superior to their counter parts, but also showed compassion and recognized

the talent of an individual. Perhaps this is what the boy learned on his rough and cruel

experience; there’s a cost one must pay in order to fulfill one’s needs and wants, and being

judge on the basis of your color is part of that acceptance one must endure.

Certainly, the effect and the nature of our humanity is to think differently about

someone alse; judging a person by his/her color, or by any other superficial means is what

we are about. We are ignorant and arrogant to see the character of one’s soul

and judge that person by what he/she is and represent.

Without any question or doubt, Ralph Ellison shows the truth behind the curtain in this

story and definitely opens our eyes to the world we lived before our time.