Imperium in Imperio

"De greatest t'ing in de wul is edification. Ef our race ken git dat we ken git ebery t'ing else. Dat is de key. Get de key an' yer ken go in de house to go whare you please." (Griggs 18)



I chose this quote one because the significance of Education is going to be a reoccurring theme in the passages we continue to read and also asa visual for the lack of education that is present within this time. Within reading this quote itself one can recognize that the preacher did not obtain a proper education by the looks of the way he talks as well as how he would write those words. Education stands for one of the strongest benefits needed in order to be successful or move towards success. Coinciding with Education is the significance of race because throughout this novel in how the color of your skin plays part into how you are treated by your professors, community members, etc, and where you can get a job. "It is true that there were positions around by the thousands which he could fill, but his color debarred him" (Griggs 64). Belton's ascribed characteristics hold him back countless times for obtaining a job. His intellect also has no importance in representing him as a person. The focus lays specifically on the color of his skin and because he is black he is put at a disadvantage regardless of his intellectual abilities.



This notion of rebellion also plays a large role between Belton and Bernard as they compete for excellence almost seeming like a battle between races since Belton is black and Bernard has lighter skin (which back in this day he could in some cases pass for white). However, the greater rebellion is against the whites, fighting for equality and power to be seen at the same level as the whites.




"If miscegenation is in reality destroying us, dedicate your soul to the works of separating the whites and colored races" (Griggs 85) The problem with miscegenation is rooted within the whites having fear of equality between races coming and with the blacks it's a fear of black extinction occurring with the amount of interracial babies being born. The fear of losing one's cultural identity is an upbringing problem for both races. Viola pisses me off because of her ignorance and inability to love Bernard for him and not the color of his skin!!! And then she signs the letter, "Your loving wife" when in the previous chapter claims that she could never be his wife. She is so torn between races that it ultimately drives her to suicide not being able to face reality.




1) Griggs portrays an overpowering feeling of Belton being prevented from obtaining a job on page 64, due to his skin color. Where else in this book do we see Belton being at a disadvantage because of his race? Do you feel as if race has an impact in jobs today or have we become more diverse?



2) What significance did the mulatto play in this time? What can analyze about the letter Viola leaves Bernard? What does this say about miscegenation?