In the short story ùning of the Bingo Game,?Ralph Ellison uses symbolism to further the meaning of the story. Three symbols used by Ellison are the bingo wheel, the white beam of light, and the train. All of these symbols display the message that the black man, (the protagonist) has no control over his life.
The first symbol is the bingo wheel. The bingo wheel represents God, one who has all the power. In the protagonists mind the person that spinning the bingo wheel has power. That person has the potential to determine his or her own fate. Knowing how to spin the bingo wheel correctly means wining the prize. When the protagonist spins the wheel, he refuses to let go of the button in realization that all control of his fate will be lost if the wheel stops. As long as the wheel spins, he remains in control and he has the power. In the end, the protagonist loses, because he can not hold on to the button forever. This shows that he never had control over his future.
The second symbol is the white beam of light. The beam of light represents that white man controls everything, no matter what. Despite the fact that the white beam of light starts out small, it expands to gain more power and control. This beam of light represents the white man influence over the lives of others. The particles of dust are an example of the smaller details of the life that the white man power overcomes. The final image that comes from the beam of light is again, controlled by the white man. The word ø ∘hite?in the term ù ∘hite beam of light?refers to the race of the man that controls the final outcome. The protagonist has no influence in the white society. He is a mere particle of dust.
The last symbol is the train. The train represents the protagonist problems. In his dream no matter where he runs, on or off the track, the train follows him. This displays that no matter where or how fast he runs, he can never escape the problems placed on him by the society.
