speeches #5

Towards the end of the novel, the narrator made his way through the streets and continuously came across the mentioning of Clifton's death. People were "shouting a sermon about the slaughter of the innocents" (479) and they were holding "heated arguments" (479). As he journeyed towards Brother Hambro's house the narrator wound up at one of Ras the Exorter's speeches. Ras was very condescending and aggressive towards the narrator. Ras questioned "what are you doing about our black youth shot down beca'se of your deceitful organization?" (480) He extended by asking "are they afraid" and if the Brotherhood "sticking together to betray us?" (480) The narrator boldly responded by addressing their dishonor by using the death of Clifton to irrupt the Brotherhood that "has worked to bring an end to such outrages" (480). The narrator explains how the Brotherhood "shall always act" but "in their own disciplined way" and "positively" (480). The narrator's audacious response to Ras shows his loyalty towards Clifton and the Brotherhood. He knows that Ras is a major threat and holds a great deal of power, but the narrator knows how important it is to protect and stand up for the black society. He acknowledges his "personal responsibility" (463) and believes in "progress and action" (576). The narrator constantly puts himself out there and is always loyal to his companions no matter who he is against in the battle, race, or war.