taking us into the scene to show usthe intimidation the narrator felt as he saw the audiencemembers. It was extremely terrifying for the narrator.After the fighters were ordered to the ring, they were to beblindfolded. This gave the narrator a sense of fear and horrorthat he was not used to. He didnt like the darkness and theunknowing of what lied ahead. ...I felt a sudden fit of terror.I was unused to darkness. It was as though I had suddenly foundmyself in a dark room filled with poisonous cottonmouths (259).One of the audience members spoke to the narrator, See that boyover there?...I want you to run across at the bell and give it tohim right in the belly. If you dont get him, Im going to getyou (259). This was told to the other fighters as well. Not oneperson in the audience felt any sympathy for the boys. Oneyelled, I want to get that ginger-colored nigger. Tear him limbfrom limb (259). Others were kicking chairs and causing quite acommotion. This put an even greater horrifying feeling in thenarrator. I wanted to see, to see more desperately than everbefore (260). The blindfold was not allowing this. All it wasdoing was taking away what dignity he had.After the battle was complete, the portable ring was takenaway and a small rug with coins, bills, and gold pieces was putin its place. Each of the fighters were told to sit around therug as though they were of another species, perhaps from anotherplanet. This set a sense of excitement in each of them, but atthe same time they feared what was to come. Once the narratorheard the word Go (262) he went straight for the goods. Ilunged for a yellow coin lying on the blue design of the carpet,touching it and sending a surprised shriek to join those risingaround me. I tried frantically to remove my hand but could notlet go. A hot, violent force tore through my body, shaking melike a wet rat. The rug was electrified (262-3). This didntstop the crowd from yelling obscenities at the boys. Pick ...
