American Escapism in James Thurber’s “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and Ralph Ellison’s “King of the Bingo Game” Brenna Von den Benken College

The American identity in James Thurber’s “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and Ralph Ellison’s “King of the Bingo Game” is depicted by the respective protagonists’ visions of individualism in contrast to the concept of fate. In both texts, Thurber and Ellison present the protagonists in undesirable positions within society of which they seek to alter. Walter Mitty challenges his unambitious role as an oppressed husband by indulging in fantasies in which he assumes a heroic identity. Similarly, Ellison’s unnamed African-American protagonist attempts to defy his impoverished fate by manipulating his odds at a bingo game.

Both Thurber and Ellison emphasize individualism through their protagonists’ desire to transcend their unfavorable roles. While Mitty strives for social recognition, Ellison’s protagonist seeks wealth and power. Unfortunately, amidst reality and a lack of true control, both characters fail to achieve their goals of obtaining greater social value and status. Thus, the American identity is adversely characterized by the protagonists’ lack of autonomy, escapist tendencies, and disillusionment of the American dream. In this way, Ellison and Thurber suggest and critique Americans’ imagined sense of individualism.

Both...