Rr Right Place, Wrong Face
Right Place, Wrong Face
“Right Place, Wrong Face” by Alton Fitzgerald White is an illustration of the racial prejudices that causes innocent citizens to suffer. This narrative describes the injustice a black man has to suffer when he is victimized because of his racial background and dermal color. His unjust arrest and police’s ignorance towards his civil rights leaves him questioning the ethics, morals, and principles his parents had taught him while he was growing up. His encounter with the dark side of society changes his perception of life.
White uses a chronological structure to keep the reader engaged with the text throughout the narration. He establishes his story by introducing his morals and his beliefs that “if I worked hard, was a good person, and always told the truth, the world will be my oyster,” which subsequently is crushed. Nevertheless, being aware of his upbringing contributes to understanding why the event affects his perspective deeply and why he “sat down crying silent tears of disappointment” as throughout this time he was believing in a false statement. Also, the detailed account of the day, from the “usual trip to the bank,” and a “pleasant day” to the becoming of a “real-life Coalhouse Walker” creates suspense and a sense of connection with the text to a point where the reader can visualize the events taking place, and feel the tension and confusion, when the author is bewildered by the actions of the stereotypical society. Furthermore, the first person narrative adds to the connection because the reader can identify the anger and be a part of White’s thoughts.
In addition to the structure, White uses many literary devices to keep the audience engaged and to get his point across. The juxtaposition between the use of the body part, the hands, the “standing ovation” for his talent, and the “handcuffed” hands makes the reader think about how being in the “wrong place” can change the entire scenario. When White is on stage, his morals and
“Right Place, Wrong Face” by Alton Fitzgerald White is an illustration of the racial prejudices that causes innocent citizens to suffer. This narrative describes the injustice a black man has to suffer when he is victimized because of his racial background and dermal color. His unjust arrest and police’s ignorance towards his civil rights leaves him questioning the ethics, morals, and principles his parents had taught him while he was growing up. His encounter with the dark side of society changes his perception of life.
White uses a chronological structure to keep the reader engaged with the text throughout the narration. He establishes his story by introducing his morals and his beliefs that “if I worked hard, was a good person, and always told the truth, the world will be my oyster,” which subsequently is crushed. Nevertheless, being aware of his upbringing contributes to understanding why the event affects his perspective deeply and why he “sat down crying silent tears of disappointment” as throughout this time he was believing in a false statement. Also, the detailed account of the day, from the “usual trip to the bank,” and a “pleasant day” to the becoming of a “real-life Coalhouse Walker” creates suspense and a sense of connection with the text to a point where the reader can visualize the events taking place, and feel the tension and confusion, when the author is bewildered by the actions of the stereotypical society. Furthermore, the first person narrative adds to the connection because the reader can identify the anger and be a part of White’s thoughts.
In addition to the structure, White uses many literary devices to keep the audience engaged and to get his point across. The juxtaposition between the use of the body part, the hands, the “standing ovation” for his talent, and the “handcuffed” hands makes the reader think about how being in the “wrong place” can change the entire scenario. When White is on stage, his morals and