Blog Post #2: Imperium in Imperio

In Imperium in Imperio by Sutton E. Griggs, the audience reads a story of two young men who start their education in the same town and school, and continue on through life; although the lives they lead are very different. Griggs uses the two boys are representations of the differences between white and black culture and abilities. In the book, Belton is a young African American man who has grown up in poverty and has to work very hard to pay for school and living expenses (though he does receive a large scholarship) and Belton's rival is Bernard, a half African American man who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He goes to the best schools and has spectacular opportunities given to him much more often than Belton.

 Towards the beginning of the novel, Griggs presents a situation in which Belton, about to graduate from college, is tricked by a fellow classmate and is extremely embarrassed because he was making a speech in front of the graduates and families and his speech was essentially ruined. It is ruined by his roommate who swapped Belton's handkerchief with a dirty and smelly sock of a classmates (38). Belton does not realize there is a sock in his pocket until during his speech he starts to "gather tears" and goes to grab his silk handkerchief, and instead pulls out a disgusting sock to wipe his face with in the middle of his heartwarming speech. His embarrassment arises when there was "an uproar of laughter; and the astonished Belton gazed blankly at the socks lying before him" (39). At this point, Belton is humiliated and feels horrible, but he handles the situation in a very dramatic way. Griggs writes, "Belton hurried out of the speakers' room and hastily ran to the city to purchase a pistol. having secured it, he came walking back at a furious pace. By this time the exercises were over and friends were returning to town. they desired to approach Belton and compliment him, and urge him to look lightly on his humorous finale; but he looked so desperate that none dared to approach him"(39). Here, Belton becomes angry and violent. His actions are emotionally charged and he has become irrational. At this point in the book, I became afraid that Belton would kill the boy who played the joke on him, and ruin his chances at having a successful life! So, as a reader, I started to get frightened because I didn't want Belton to make a huge mistake right after completing school and doing so well.

 Belton has worked so hard and deserves to do well, so this instant of weakness is crucial. Belton's character is tested in this part of the book, and instead of hurting someone, he learns to control his emotions and become a better person. Griggs says, "The next morning, the president came over early and entering Belton's room, was more kindly received. he took Belton's hand in his and sat down near his side. He talked to Belton long and earnestly, showing him what an unholy passion revenge was. He showed that such a passion would mar any life that yielded to it... Belton was melted to tears of repentance for his unholy passion" (39). This is a huge turning point for Belton, he begins to show more of his spiritual side, he trusts in the power of God, and uses that passion to get over the wrongdoings in his life. I think that this point will be a turning point for him the story and keep him on the right path as opposed to giving in to the dark political side that Bernard is stepping into.


Questions:
1. Do you think that Bernard would be the same type of person if he was less privileged as a child? Would knowing his father growing up have made a difference in his life? What is Bernard representative of?

2. What do you think became of Belton's siblings? Does Belton represent any stereotypes that we still hold today? Does his family represent any racial stereotypes?