Social and Racial Allegories in The Intuitionist

This novel contains many ideas that all lead to the main allegories of the novel which are that of social and racial status. Some of these aspects of the novel are that of James Fulton and the hiding of his racial identity and the idea of the black box transcending barriers. These ideas in the novel are very important and have many meanings behind them.
James Fulton's being "colored" but portraying himself as white to pass an idea that is in reality a joke is very influential to the allegories of race and social standing. James Fulton had to disguise himself as something he wasn't to succeed in society, he had to break barriers and limitations. The revealing of Fulton as an African American breaks all the social and racial barriers that are presented in the society at this time.
The idea of the black box being undefinable to society and the use of it to transcend social and racial limitations is also very important. This idea shows the black box ending social stigma and revealing the superficial as no longer the deeming factor in society. The black box can also never be wrong just as Lila Mae because it is what someone wants it to be, there are no limits.
This novel shows many ideas revolving around the transcendence of race and social standing. These ideas play a very important role in the revealing of the allegories present.