Battle Royale Analysis

The stories Battle Royale by Ralph Ellison and Are These Actual Miles by Raymond Carver, portrays disadvantages to two different groups. Ellison’s story depicts racism in 1963 and Carver’s enlightens us on the struggles of being apart of the lower class. Both stories depict human nature as being passive out of fear of people in the majority group.
In the battle Royale there were many times terrible situations the boys were placed in, yet no one spoke up against. There were two instances that showed people are passive. One was during the electric pit scene. “Laughing in fear and embarrassment, some were holding back and scooping up the coins knocked off by the painful contortions of others. The men roared above us as we struggled” (Ellison). The narrator was forced to continue because he feared being killed. He did not attempt to voice his opinions or rebelled against the white men. Another example of the minority groups being passive, is during his speech. “"Social
The husband was asking her to leave when she was telling him there was no market for convertibles. “”No,” she says. “We’re just finishing. I told you it’s part of the deal. They’re out for all they can get.”” Toni does not tell the salesman, she has to leave out of fear. She is a lower class woman in need of money. She almost has no choice but to stay. Both Leo and Toni are passive, because neither try to find another source of income. When Toni comes home, Leo talks with the man. He never talks about the situation or how wrong it was for him have sexual encounters with a married woman. He only says how Monday is the court hearing and seems to think things will change. “”Well goodnight,” the man says and coughs. “Take it easy, hear?” Monday, That’s right.”” The man does not apologize or talk about the situation. Leo is at his mercy since he needs the