Ralph Ellisons Battle Royal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ralph Ellisons Battle Royal - Essay Example "Battle Royal" holds a permanent interest because its underlying themes are human ones, with those being the battle against prejudice and the struggle to find a place in society. On the surface, Ellison's focus is upon the racial prejudices which confronted African Americans during a specific time in history. As that time has passed, the theme should have no continued, relevant current interest. The fact that it does is because racial prejudices are not the only form of discrimination which confront people. Any and all differences are a cause for prejudice and discrimination. In this sense, Ellison addresses all people and in the grandfather's words, provides advice for survival against prejudice. As the grandfather advises: "Live with your head in the lion's mouth. I want you to overcome'em with yeses, undermine'em with grins, agree'em to death and destruction, let'em swoller you till they vomit or bust wide open" (Ellison, 1952: 938). While it may have been offered to a young black male in the pre-civil rights era, this advice is valid for all. It warns against confrontation, insists upon the possibility of defeating one's enemy through passivity and, inde ed, provides a strategy for survival.