Throughout history there have been numerous novels and book excerpts that have become the basis of many classroom discussions and essay topics. Ralph Ellison's The Invisible Man, particularly chapter 1, "Battle Royale," and George Orwell's "Shooting an Elephant" equally suggest that an individual may not always be in complete control of their choices due to extenuating circumstances. Both stories have underlying themes and critical points that allow the audience to better understand the characters' actions, but they differ in the context of where and how these themes actually present themselves. The narrator in each story exemplifies the "masking effect" theory in literature by making decisions that contradict his actual and desired reaction. “Battle Royal” begins Invisible Man with an unusual conversation between the narrator's father and his grandfather as he lies on his deathbed. His grandfather declares to the family that he is a “traitor” and a “spy”. Further stating that the father and subsequent generations should “live with their heads in the lion's mouth. I want you to overcome them with yeses, weaken them with smiles, acquiesce them to death and destruction, let them swell you until they vomit or gape. His family initially thinks the meek old man is talking nonsense as he nears death, but this unassuming conversation has much more meaning than the family thinks. Not knowing the context of the grandfather's confession, his words, having a profound effect on the narrator, have become a constant question that the narrator feels the need for an answer to. All his life the grandson remembered and honored his grandfather's advice, if only mentally. Making Caucasians believe they felt with all their heart... middle of paper......did not die instantly. Instead the elephant falls to the ground in agony as the narrator walks away, struggling to breathe for another half hour. “Battle Royale” and “Shooting an Elephant” demonstrate the relationship between individuality and community, demonstrating how difficult it is to remain true to Both. Both narrators attempt to define themselves through the values ​​and expectations imposed by their culture or society. Organized roles limit an individual's complexity and force the character to play an inauthentic role. The essay and the first chapter play on the masking effect; believe one thing but do the exact opposite, confusing the public about their true position on a specific issue. Both stories are proof that the opinions of higher powers can have a big impact on someone's decision making, prompting this character to wear a mask..