African American Theory: "The Battle Royal"

The Struggles of Institutionalized Racism Depicted in "The Battle Royal"

by: Gabrielle Dinger

Ralph Ellison's photograph on the back of his novel, Invisible Man

During the mid-20th century in America, racism was pervasive and created significant challenges for African Americans. They encountered discrimination and segregation in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and housing. Legal and societal barriers kept them separate from white communities, limiting their opportunities and exposing them to violence and intimidation. Even in everyday interactions, they faced unfair treatment due to their race. Racism was not isolated but deeply ingrained in the fabric of society, presenting formidable obstacles to African American individuals' success and equal treatment. Ralph Ellison was a writer who tackled this head-on in his book Invisible Man. Through his story about an unnamed main character, Ellison showed us just how hard it was for African Americans to deal with racism every day. His writing isn't just about the past; it's a reminder that racism still affects us today. Ellison's novel powerfully illustrates the immense challenges faced by African Americans in mid-20th century America, highlighting the enduring impact of institutionalized racism.

In Lois Tyson's textbook, Using Critical Theory, Tyson lists the elements that are commonly portrayed in African American literature, such as oral history, African American music and cuisines, folk crafts, the importance of people's names, and a value system that emphasizes the importance of family. (Tyson 225). "The Battle Royal" chapter in Ellison's Invisible Man breaks away from typical African American literature by introducing readers to a gritty, unfiltered look at racism. Unlike stories that celebrate culture or family values, Ellison's narrative hits hard with the brutal reality of oppression. It's not about music or recipes; it's about the fight for dignity in a world that devalues African American lives. In this chapter, we're thrown into a disturbing event where African American individuals are forced to brawl for white people's entertainment. It's not pretty, but it's real. The protagonist's struggle to maintain his sense of self in the face of such brutality gives us a glimpse into the everyday challenges of living in a racist society. Tyson also states that "The Battle Royal" is "a story that is unmistakably antiracist because of the great clarity with which it illustrates the horrors of racism, specifically, the institutionalized racism of the segregated south at a time when the judicial system offered black Americans little or no protection from the excesses of white power." (Tyson 229).

Booker T. Washington

The narrator in the chapter embodies the traits of the late Booker T. Washington, an influential African American leader and educator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This is made clear when the narrator states, "In those pre-invisible days I visualized myself as a potential Booker T. Washington." (Ellison 335). Like Washington, the narrator emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and individual initiative as pathways to success in the face of systemic racism. Throughout the novel, the narrator demonstrates a strong work ethic and determination to uplift himself through education and hard work. Additionally, similar to Washington's philosophy of accommodation and gradual progress, the narrator initially seeks to navigate the racist social hierarchy by conforming to societal expectations and suppressing his true identity. This parallel between the narrator and Booker T. Washington underscores the complexities of African American identity and agency in a racially stratified society, while also shedding light on the enduring influence of Washington's ideology on African American thought and experience. Richard Kostelanetz, a literary critic, describes this connection in his essay titled, The Politics of Ellison's Booker: "Invisible Man" as Symbolic History. Referring to a part in the chapter where the narrator is forced to say the word "social responsibility" repeatedly (Ellison 343), Kostelanetz provides his take on it by saying, "When he mentions the phrase "social responsibility," they ask him to repeat it again and again until in a moment of mental exhaustion he substitutes the word "equality." Challenged by the audience, he quickly reverts to the traditional, unrevolutionary phrase. Ellison here illustrates that as the speaker's censor relaxes, his true desires are revealed; but as soon as he remembers the power of Southern authority, he immediately represses his wish." (Kostelanetz 10). 

An illustrated visualization of "The Battle Royal"

As "The Battle Royal" chapter continues, Ellison depicts the harsh realities of racism through a brutal fight scene. African American men are forced to fight for white people's entertainment in the ring, exposing the violence and degradation they endure. The dialogue, like "Get going in there!" (Ellison 338) and "Let me at that big [racial slur]!" (Ellison 338), reflects the dehumanizing language used by white men. As the protagonist struggles blindfolded in the darkness, the danger feels real. Despite his attempts to fight back, he feels overwhelmed and clumsy. The escalating violence, with men yelling "Slug him, black boy! Knock his guts out!" (Ellison 339), shows the relentless assault on dignity. Yet, even after the fight, amidst the mocking laughter of white men, he finds the strength to speak out. In Imagery in the 'Battle Royal' Chapter of Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man, Norman German, an English literature professor, gives his interpretation of the story by helping the reader understand the portrayal of the setting when he states, “...the boxing ring symbolizes the blacks being socially confined” (German 396). Ellison's portrayal offers a clear critique of racism, urging readers to confront systemic injustice and the resilience needed to resist it. It also shows the way Ellison depicts institutionalized racism, where African Americans are pushed to the sidelines and treated as less than human in a society controlled by white folks. The main character's fear and helplessness reveal the deep-seated oppression that exists in our society. The chaotic vibe and hurtful words highlight how racial discrimination is everywhere. The fight, set up by white men for their entertainment, shows how racism is built into our systems, with African Americans being used for the enjoyment of those in power. Even when the main character tries to stand up for himself, he still gets put down, showing how racism keeps its grip through unfair treatment and violence.

Ellison's portrayal of institutionalized racism in "The Battle Royal" chapter serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of oppression and the influence of figures like Booker T. Washington. Through imagery and dialogue, Ellison exposes the brutality and degradation faced by black individuals within a society dominated by white supremacy. The narrator's journey mirrors Washington's approach to navigating racial inequality within institutionalized systems of oppression. However, Ellison does not simply criticize this accommodationist stance; rather, he encourages readers to engage with the complexities of racial identity and resistance. By drawing parallels between the narrator's experiences and Washington's ideology, Ellison highlights the enduring struggle for dignity and equality in the face of entrenched systems of institutionalized racism.

Works Cited:

“Battle Royal by Ralph Ellison | Shortsonline.” Shortsonline | Featuring the World’s Best Short Stories and Flash Fiction, 22 Feb. 2020, https://xpressenglish.com/battle-royal/#google_vignette.

“Discover The Oaks: The Home of Dr. Booker T. Washington (U.S. National Park Service).” NPS.Gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service), https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/discover-the-oaks-the-home-of-dr-booker-t-washington.htm. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Ellison, Ralph. Invisible Man. Random House, 1952.

German, Norman. “IMAGERY IN THE ‘BATTLE ROYAL’ CHAPTER OF RALPH ELLISON’S ‘INVISIBLE MAN.’” CLA Journal, vol. 31, no. 4, College Language Association, pp. 394–99, doi:10.2307/44321997. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

“Invisible Man Ralph Ellison First Edition Signed Rare.” Raptis Rare Books | Fine Rare and Antiquarian First Edition Books for Sale, https://www.facebook.com/raptisrarebooks, https://www.raptisrarebooks.com/product/invisible-man-ralph-ellison-first-edition-rare/. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kostelanetz, Richard. “The Politics of Ellison’s Booker: ‘Invisible Man’ as Symbolic History.” Chicago Review, no. 2, JSTOR, 1967, p. 5. Crossref, doi:10.2307/25294090.

Tyson, Lois. Using Critical Theory. Routledge, 2011, pp. 225, 229.