Imagery of Segregation
The image of the segregated train in "Boy on a Train" is an example of imagery that captures the harsh realities of Jim Crow segregation in Ellison's time. The image of James and his family being forced to sit in the luggage compartment next to the engine, where it is uncomfortably hot and soot flies in through the windows, conveys a sense of discrimination and injustice. It also suggests that Black people were considered to be inferior to white people and were treated as second-class citizens. The use of imagery to depict the segregation of the train is particularly effective because it allows the reader to see and experience the uncomfortable and degrading conditions that James and his family are forced to endure.
Racial Superiority
An example of imagery in "The Black Bull" is the image of the white stranger who approaches John while he is polishing the brass door handles in the apartment building lobby. The image of the stranger standing over John and looking down at him with a sense of superiority and entitlement conveys a sense of racism and discrimination. It also suggests that the stranger views John as being inferior because of his race and that he believes he has the right to condescend to him and criticize his work. The use of imagery to depict the encounter between John and the white stranger is particularly effective because it allows the reader to see the dynamic between the two men and to understand the racism and discrimination that John faces on a daily basis.
Killing the Bull
The image of Hymie killing the bull in "Hymie's Bull" is a powerful example of imagery that helps to bring the story to life. The image of Hymie, who is sick and vomiting from a bad stew, pulling a knife out of his pocket and stabbing the bull in the chest and throat, conveys a sense of desperation and violence. It also suggests that Hymie was willing to risk his own life in order to protect himself from the brutality of the bulls. This imagery also serves to highlight the theme of white supremacy and the violence that it often engenders. The use of imagery to depict Hymie killing the bull is particularly effective because it allows the reader to see the events of the story unfold in a vivid and memorable way.
