Battle Royal; or, The Invisible Man

by Ralph Ellison

Start Free Trial

Student Question

What is the significance of the American flag on the blonde woman in "Battle Royal"?

Quick answer:

The American flag on the blonde woman in "Battle Royal" symbolizes irony. While the flag represents American ideals of equality, the scene depicts a brutal, racist environment where a young Black man is beaten by white men. This stark contrast highlights the hypocrisy and failure of the country's promise of equality, underscoring the tension between American ideals and the reality of racial injustice.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

The American flag on the "ring girl" is symbol of irony. This country is supposed to be about "all men are created equal," yet we have a bunch of ignorant, horrible white men who are watching a young black man get beaten up. This is horrendous and heartwrenching! The irony is in the fact that the flag represents this American ideal, yet is present in this racist, cruel environment.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial