Symbolism In Ralph Ellison's Battle Royal

Symbolism is often used by many authors to represent a broad idea or a belief and is often tied to specific object or a person. Ralph Ellison, the author of "Battle Royal" , uses this technique quite effectively, as he masterfully give meaning and purpose to many of mundane objects. For instance, the letter in the story, offers a vital and significant insight into the trials and tribulations that the authors will eventually face. Furthermore, it also outlines the disappointments and betrayal that the narrator faces. This fact is made quite clear when he reads the contents of the letter, " To whom It may concern" " Keep this Nigger-Boy running"(pg 235,Line 105) . This quite vulgar and off beat remark foreshadows the racism and unequal treatments,

This broad definition can be broken down into two styles of telling a story, first person and third person. Furthermore, each style of telling a story must be used appropriately in order to retain the true essence and purpose of story, as intended by the author. For instance, The author of A&P, John Updike, choses to use a first person point of view, in which the entirety of the story is told through the eyes of the main protagonist. This technique is quite appropriate for this story and it helps the readers connect to the main protagonist on a deeper level. This is case because the readers are only aware of what the protagonist is aware. This is evident when the Protagonist, and also the reader, are made aware new information in this quote, "I look around for the girls, but they are gone of course"( pg 204, Line 26). This technique is used by Updike in order to encourage the readers to associate their own experiences with that of the protagonist. On the other hand, the author of Soldier's Home, Ernest Hemingway, choses to use a third person objective point of view, and only reports on experiences of few of the characters. This is quite evident in this quote,"kerbs looked at the bacon fat hardening on this plate"(pg 170, line 3). This style, of only informing the readers of the actions of the characters and not delving into their their thoughts and emotions, is used quite effectively and allows the readers to reach their own assertions