Bledsoe vs. Beggar

Ellison employs the juxtaposition of the Harlem beggar and Mr. Bledsoe in the south to give the narrator a choice. A choice that allows the narrator to see the long term effects of both pathways. This assimilation dilemma can be defined as either the Melting Pot or the Salad Bowl theory. Blend in and lose meaningful culture or segregate and retain individual identity. Mr. Bledsoe embodies the facade of the melting pot towards the narrator and the university. Bledsoe cares for neither blacks nor whites -- only himself. Ellison employs the use of the words "boy" and "nigger" in his dialogue towards the narrator to underscore what a hollow man he is. Success is his culture. Stature is his racial identity. In the eyes of Ellison, assimilating into white culture is an erasure of culture for Bledsoe.

The opposing, seemingly loony beggar, contrasts Bledsoe's ways. The singing of the folk song in the streets (She's got feet like a monkey...) embraces black culture full frontally to the narrator. Ellison introduces a character completely new to the reader. The streetwalker is a culturally black man who embraces his identity, sees his role in New York City, and lives regardless. He is the salad bowl: not overpowering the masses, but retaining unique flavor. Ellison presents these characters to the narrator in different stages of his life to challenge his forming mindset. Just when one train of thought is almost formed, a new facet of black identity is introduced.