What is the authors purpose in The Black ball by Ralph Ellison with quotes to prove it?

Answer 1

The author's purpose in "The Black Ball" by Ralph Ellison is to explore the complexities of race, identity, and power in American society. The story follows a young African American man who attends a formal event and receives a black ball, symbolizing exclusion and discrimination. Through this experience, the protagonist grapples with his own sense of worth and belonging in a society that devalues blackness.

One quote that exemplifies the author's purpose is when the protagonist reflects on the black ball he receives: "It was almost as if I could feel the presence of all my forebears, those who had been outcasts and slaves, those who had trembled in the face of white power and had borne their shame proudly. They seemed to be saying to me, 'This is the legacy you have inherited, the burden you must carry.'"

This quote demonstrates the author's intention to convey the weight of history and systemic oppression that shapes the protagonist's experience of racism and marginalization. Through the black ball, Ellison symbolizes the ongoing struggles faced by African Americans in a society that systematically denies them equal opportunities and respect.

Overall, Ellison's purpose in "The Black Ball" is to provoke reflection on the enduring legacy of racism and discrimination in America, and to challenge readers to consider the ways in which these forces shape individual identity and social power dynamics.