Always outnumbered free essay sample

Always outnumbered, Always outgunned focuses on the life and experiences of a black ex-convict who in the daily dealings tries to redeem himself, in the eyes of society and himself. Divided in to various short stories, the reader follows the life and experiences of the protagonist, Socrates Fortlow.The chief protagonist is an ex-convict, who has had a turbulent and disturbing past whereby he had been involved in murder and other crimes, both in and out of jail. However, after he is discharged he seeks to reform and contribute effectively to the society. However, his stature as an ex-convict gives birth to hindrances for his motive of reforming and redeeming himself.The novel highlights the sufferings of the black community in a deeply racist and classical America; the protagonist, Socrates as his name implies has its stature raised to that of a deep thinker, a philosopher. In his journey the reader finds the intellectual growth of the hero who is giving his utmost to seek a decent life for himself. We will write a custom essay sample on Always outnumbered or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page To undo the past injuries he has inflicted and to reform himself. In Socrates the readers would find some one to refer to for the difficulties he faces in redeeming himself stand symbolic for the difficulties the black community in America felt, in the 1990s.The turning point in Socrates life is his visit to the Capricorn bookstore, whereby he learns that life is not without a purpose, that we are alive because we have to contribute in some way or the other. That, we can be good despite being deviant. That life is about learning and reforming, not singing the same rough tune forever.This is the lesson of life that ex-convict Socrates learns and what makes him turn over a new leaf. He promised to stay inclined towards doing good to everyone and abstaining from letting his anger mould his actions, in an environment where his existence is undermined politically, socially and even economically.However, the racist society made it difficult for a black man to redeem himself for a stereotypical image was associated with them. One in which the rights of the blacks were undermined by the power of the whites. This racist environment made it arduous for him to control his temper and also raised difficulties for him to prevent himself for getting incarcerated again, for his existence as a human being was out rightly denied by the masses. As Socrates refers to in the book, â€Å"because the rules say a black man can’t have nothing† (Walter, 163).Socrates strives to stay pragmatic and avoid all emotional repercussions. His relationship with Darryl, a small boy who has the same tendencies as Socrates, paves way for Socrates to abstain someone else from treadin g the rocky path he had in his past. He serves not only as Darryl’s father figure but also as a friend. He differentiates the correct from Ferroneous for him. Staying firm with the boy, he tries to teach him the rules of life. And in return for that he acquires Darryl’s respect. He redeems himself in the eyes of a boy who knows the story of his life.Who accepts him for who he is and applauds him for his change. Socrates inculcates in Darryl the freedom to be himself and face his enemies despite the fact that he’ll â€Å"be always outnumbered, always outgunned† (Walter ,131). Not only that, but Socrates also serves as a helping hand for his former nemesis, Roland who is plagued by cancer, by showing his respect for humanity. By contrasting this respect and care that Socrates shows with that of the past where he had committed blasphemous crimes, in the eyes of the reader Socrates is enroute to seeking redemption for his past sins.However, the very assessment falls short as depicted in the chapter, â€Å"Letters to Theresa† where Socrates seeks to reconcile with his past, by attempting to apologize to his former girlfriend. However, the news of her death proves against the motive of his present life: redemption. However, the society racist behavior overshadows all his attempts at redeeming himself and fighting the volcano of rage that presides within him.For example, in equal opportunity he comes face to face with the prudish standards of society whereby he seeks employment in a store. Not only is he disrespected on the basis of his creed and color by the manager and assistant manager, but is also faced with hostility sprung on the basis of the stereotypical character the society has attributed to the black community: violent and undeserving. Therefore, by a close analysis of the book in accordance with the historical, political, social and economical structures represented it is safe to assert that the character of Socrates Fortlow is a symbol of the entire black community of America who suffers the same dilemma and the same injustices- at work and at play. The African community has been associated with a label of being convicts due to which they face difficulties in everyday dealings. Injustice plagues their life.This is what the reader is made acquainted to throughout the course of the book. In each of the 14 chapters, a new side of Socrates intellect is shown, where he thinks; he tries to undermine his violent self; he tries to contribute effectively to the society, to the people he comes across in his everyday dealings. He tries to make up for his bloody past actions through reforming himself in to a person devoid of all violence. He tries to learn to be patient in a world where he will be treated harshly. He tries to forgive and forget the insolent behavior people have towards him.He tries to soothe down in a world where legally his race is undermined. In such a world he tries to redeem himself. In the eyes of some he succeeds. In the eyes of the society he will always be an outcast.A person who no matter what he does can never truly attain redemption for his sins. People might think that he can not undo all the injuries he inflicted in the past but for the reader, the progression of Socrates character throughout the course of the book invokes pity for this character, in short in the eyes of the reader , Socrates has achieve redemption even though He states that Christians believe in redemption, thats true. But usually you have to die in order tget it. Marvane Street, pg 90. For him, redemption is in the hands of the divine lord and his efforts will bear no fruit in this racist world.References:Walter, M 1998, â€Å"Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned† Published by W.W. Norton. Pages 131 And 163