Genre
Novel
Setting and Context
The novel was written in the 20th century in the context of African American society.
Narrator and Point of View
Third-person narrative
Tone and Mood
Ambitions, sanguine, buoyant and stirring
Protagonist and Antagonist
The protagonist is Bernard Belgrade, and the antagonist is Belton Piedmont.
Major Conflict
The main conflict is that the few Black Americans decide to form their government headed by Belgrade and Griggs to undo the American government's damage to the black community.
Climax
The climax is attained when Belgrade's plan to overthrow the authority for his selfish interests is thwarted by Piedmont, who enlightens society on the significance of selflessness.
Foreshadowing
The formation of the Imperium government foreshadowed better opportunities for the black communities in America.
Understatement
Self-interest is understated in the text. Belgrade is a selfish individual who wants to initiate war to take control of the government. Making matters worse, Belgrade is the plan's architecture to eliminate Piedmont, who is a stumping block to his selfish gains.
Allusions
The story alludes to the struggles of the Black Americans to get equal treatment and access to opportunities as their white counterparts in America.
Imagery
The creation of the Imperium depicts sensory imagery that aids readers to see the tiresomeness of the black Americans under white rule. Through this imagery, the readers see how blacks are mistreated and denied basic needs such as equal access to education and the freedom of creating wealth.
Paradox
Belgrade is a satirical character in society because instead of joining Griggs to promote the welfare of the blacks, he wants to be famous and rule the way he wants. Ironically, Belgrade incites people to start a war so that he can overthrow the leadership of Griggs.
Parallelism
Racism between whites and blacks parallels the realistic ideologies of bigotry. Piedmont steps in to urge the system in place to reeducate the masses to understand that racism can be brought to a halt by both the whites and blacks in a unified effort.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
Racism is embodied as a problematic individual who does not want the other party to succeed in life.
