Because
Ellison's , from which "" is taken, offers a complex and nearly
comprehensive indictment of racism in early twentieth-century America, multiple thesis
statements could work for an essay on the chapter. One that seems to address several elements in
the story concerns the ability of the narrator (or the black man) to have agency in his life, as
opposed to be played for a fool, a token "Uncle Tom," an entertainer, or a
confirmation of stereotypes about his race.
Much of the novel, and certainly
this chapter, centers on the narrator's growing awareness of his perceived place in society. In
this chapter, the young narrator believes he has achieved something through discipline, hard
work, and conformity that will allow him to move upwards in society. He believes he has been
nominated to speak in front of the white business owners at this event, delivering his
graduation speech:
On my graduation day I delivered an
oration in which I showed that humility was the...
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