Dr. Bledsoe wears a mask to cover
his true intention of protecting his position in the college. He admits to the narrator that he will “have
every Negro in the country hanging on tree limbs by morning if it means staying
where I am.” (143) Instead of carrying
on the Founder’s idea of progressing the black race, Dr. Bledsoe keeps the
student’s from their true potential. It
seems like Bledsoe is running this college to appease the white trustees. Bledsoe belittles the narrator even though
Norton supported him after his mistake.
He tells the narrator “you’re nobody” and expels him without a second
thought. (143)
This reminds me of lyrics in the
Panic! At the Disco song Emperor’s New Clothes. This song explores a new era, which is what
the Founder had in mind for progressing education. Dr. Bledsoe was supposed to continue this era
but deviates from the original plan. Bledsoe, like the person in the song, almost
sees himself as above others since he now has the “crown.” Now that he has this power he does not want
to give it up so he does whatever he needs to do to keep it: “finder’s keepers.” Since Dr. Bledsoe has had a taste of this authority
he will do whatever it takes to make sure he won’t loose it and remain on top.
I like your connection to the song and I agree that Bledsoe "keeps students from their true potential." Dr. Bledsoe's characterizes himself as someone who lives off power and like you stated "now that he [Bledsoe] has this power he does not want to give it up so he does whatever he needs to do to keep it." It seems Bledsoe is ruthless and even if he has to tear down his own race he will just to stay in charge.
ReplyDeleteI also like your connection to the song because there is supposed to be change in the school. Mr. Bledsoe's determination to stay in position does limit the potential of the students because Mr. Bledsoe chooses to go his own way. Mr. Bledsoe craves power and he has it and he takes advantage of it.
ReplyDeleteThe connection between Mr. Bledsoe and the song is superb! I definitely agree that Bledsoe is hindering the students at the college from reaching their full potential. As you said, Bledsoe is wearing a mask because his true intentions do not coincide with how people precieve him. Furthermore, Bledsoe could serve as a foil to Idaho in "Othello". Just as Roderigo believes that Igao has his best interest at heart, Mr. Norton is deceiving the narrator and all the other students by acting like he has their best interest at heart.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great connection to this book! This song is such a good representation on how power can make one forget about the true purpose of something. I definitely agree that Mr. Bledsoe forgets that he needs to use his power for something positive, and do not let his greed consume his purpose. I think Taryn's connection to Othello was an extremely relevant way to show the type of person that Mr. Bledsoe is.
ReplyDelete