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The Nickil Boys Research Paper

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The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead is a touching and powerful novel that delves into the theme of racism. In The Nickel Boys, imagery is commonly used, as Whitehead uses all sorts of figurative language throughout the novel. The first point of significance is about Racial Segregation in The Nickel Boys and the acts of discrimination and divide. The second point of significance is the psychological impact of racism and how constantly being called racial slurs can take a toll on young boys psychological well being. The final point of significance is about the acts of Resistance and Resilience that the young black boys show throughout the novel. In The Nickel Boys, Colson Whitehead uses imagery to depict the devastating effects of racial discrimination, …show more content…

The novel reveals how racial segregation deeply impacts the characters' lives. It talks about segregation and shows how it affects the characters' experiences and opportunities. Throughout the story, racial segregation influences the characters' paths and the challenges they face due to discrimination. One powerful example of racial segregation is Fun Town, an amusement park that people of colour are not welcome to. “Yolanda King was six years old when her father told her the truth about the amusement park and the white order that kept her outside the fence looking in.” (pg 28) The segment “the white order that kept her outside the fence looking in” clearly shows how racial segregation greatly affected every aspect of society, fostering an environment that promoted inequality and discrimination. The …show more content…

The characters are confronted with a hostile and oppressive reformatory school, yet they demonstrate remarkable acts of resistance and resilience. Despite the overwhelming challenges they face, the characters refuse to succumb to the dehumanising system, finding strength in their determination to defy injustice. Through their courageous actions, the characters in the novel exemplify the unbreakable spirit of human resilience in the face of adversity. One example of an act of resistance and resilience in The Nickel Boys is from Griff. “They came for Griff that night and he never returned. The story spread that he was too proud to Take a dive. That he refused to kneel.” (pg 114)The segment “he refused to kneel” shows Griff's act of resilience by refusing to kneel for the teachers at Nickel Academy. It suggests that he has no respect for the teachers and that he does not think himself any lesser compared to them. The second example of an act of resistance and resilience comes from Harper. “Sir, I'd rather work on the bleachers. Harper frowned. Acting crazy today, all of you. You do what I asked on Friday and now it's back to the usual.” (pg 182) The segment “I’d rather work on the bleachers” represents an act of resistance and resilience because it showcases an individual being defiant and refusing to conform to Harper and

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