Theme

The main theme in the short story “Arrangement in Black and White” by Dorothy Parker is racial discrimination. Through this narrative text, the author draws attention in an ironical way to the traps of racial bias in early twentieth century America. The protagonist is a conflicted woman who is unable to see beyond the fact that a musician is black, despite liking his music.

Racial discrimination

The theme of racial discrimination is explored through the main character and the conflict between what she claims and how she acts and feels. The unnamed female protagonist illustrates the racial prejudices of many white Americans in the early twentieth century buried under the appearance of a progressive, accepting attitude.

The protagonist of the story finds herself at a party where her favorite African-American musician is the guest of honor. But while she likes his...