Ralph Ellison's Naked Blondes

172 Words1 Pages
The naked blonde represents the attraction of the African American men to having the American dream. This is evident not only because of her tattoo but because of the way the boys acted in her presence. Some of the boys were afraid to look at her while some tried to take glance, all while being told what to do by the spectators in the background. Similarly, in those days an African American man would act the same if given to opportunity to achieve the American dream, some are fearful and will shy away, while others will cave in to their attraction, all while being told what to do by those around them. Ellison's description of the blonde’s dancing with "a detaching expression on her face" relate to next "event" of the boys boxing and wrestling