Introduction:
The expedition of discrimination, personality, and the dichotomy of inequality vs. equality is a recurring subject in literature, offering a perspective through which societal problems are scrutinized. The three themes are subtly presented in short stories such as “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara, “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin, and “Battle Royal” by Ralph Ellison, where humans fight against society. This essay will examine the narratives used in these stories and how they depict the ideas of discrimination, self-identity, and seeking equality. Additionally, it will touch on why the authors write about such ideas and why readers should take a lesson from their narration.
Body Paragraphs:
Toni Cade Bambara’s short story “The Lesson” portrays a case where some poor black children from Harlem were taught unwanted lessons about the effects of economic differences among various people. The teacher, Miss Moore, is an instrument for grasping the harsh inequalities in society. Miss Moore is an educated woman who stands for hope and empowerment for children. This character helps the author to criticize systemic discrimination based on economic discrimination. Thus, their narrative illustrates the plight of marginalized groups and how education enlightens one on the aspects of society (Bambara 107-113). This lesson transcends the classroom and reminds the readers to fight social injustices and systematic oppression.
Through the characters of the narrator (Sonny’s brother) and Sonny, identity is skillfully integrated as the plot theme in James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues.” Sonny is a young and gifted jazz musician struggling to find himself in a society of people who rarely understand creative pursuits. On the other hand, the narrator becomes an old road of traditional societal standards. Baldwin tries to untangle the complexities of personal growth and the challenges of defining oneself within a particular culture. The story explores inequality by showing the various struggles of the characters. Inequality is one of the barriers to society for the individual pursuit of their identity. Baldwin’s exploration aims at creating sympathy and helping people to appreciate the different ways in which individuals are unique, even when they challenge dominant discourses that sustain inequalities (Baldwin, 17-48).
The reality of a racist American society facing blacks is exposed in “Battle Royal” by Ralph Ellison. The story’s main character, a nameless Black man, is caught in the vicious entertainment show “Battle Royal” in the town of the same name. The story’s characters, including the main character, symbolize a broader conflict between African Americans versus discrimination in the public (Ellison). The plot illustrates the theory of inequality versus. racial inequality under the guise of “societal improvements.” Therefore, Ellison desires to unmask the phoniness of a society that claims to be equal yet practices discrimination. As an unpleasant truth, “Battle Royal” ends with the lesson that readers must fight against racism with all its structures and institutions to build a just and fair community.
Conclusion
Complex representation of characters from “The Lesson”‘, “Sonny’s Blues,” and “Battle Royal” involves these themes of prejudice, identity, and fighting for equality. Besides, the characters are also used to give their views about social injustice and institutionalized discrimination based on an individual’s identity. These are not just stories. They are a point of criticism and a driving force of change. The lessons are so profound that readers are compelled to ask themselves whether they will challenge injustice and inequity in the world or maintain it.
Work Cited
Baldwin, James. “Sonny’s Blues.” Write Me a Few of Your Lines: A Blues Reader (1999): 17-48.
Bambara, Toni Cade. “The lesson.” Gorilla, My Love (1972): Bambara, 107-113.
Ellison, Ralph. “Battle royal.” The compact Bedford introduction to literature (3rd ed., pp. 286-295). New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s.(Original work published 1947) (1994).
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