A nameless protagonist also allows Ellison to address issues of identity and naming, a prominent theme in much of his work. This nameless figure is the product of an oppressive society that robs blacks of identity, dignity, and the opportunity to make something of themselves.
Fate is an equally significant theme, as the protagonist attempts to control his destiny despite recognizing that life is little more than a game of chance. In this sense, "King of the Bingo Game" can be seen as a black man's struggle to accept that his fate is out of his hands and that the American dream is, at least for him, an unattainable myth. When the protagonist holds the button to the bingo wheel in his hand with the potential to win money that could save his wife, he begins to feel power for the first time in his life. However, this unfamiliar experience causes him to forget who he is, unable to remember even his name. His determination to control the wheel—his destiny—becomes overwhelming, and he loses everything.
In "King of the Bingo Game," Ellison integrates his knowledge of politics and history with the tradition of African American folklore. His ability to bring a realistic world view together with a fantastical one in a unified theme distinguished his work and helped him earn a position as one of the most influential African American writers.
This is a free page. This page contains 199 words. This
article contains 8,028 words (approx. 27 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Article with our "king of the Bingo Game" - Palph Ellison - 1944 Access Pass.
