These chapters have a lot to say about the concepts of invisibility, double-consciousness, identity, and how the three are inextricably interwoven in the novel. Again, close reading here will pay off and you'll be able to "see" the "invisible"! Obviously, anytime a glass eye, sunglasses, or vision in general is mentioned, Ellison is typically making a not-so-subtle thematic statement, but he doesn't always spell it out.
*What is the reason behind the narrator's conflict with the Brotherhood?
*What is the metaphorical value of Brother Jack's glass eye?
*How is humor used when the narrator puts on a pair of sunglasses to escape Ras's men?
*Why does Hambro disappoint the narrator?
*Explain the significance of the following quote: "If they tolerate Rinehart, then they will forget it and even with them you are invisible."
*How do you interpret the name Rinehart?
*How has the narrator become invisible?
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Edith Wharton
John Steinbeck
Mark Twain
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Ralph Ellison
Alice Walker
1 comment:
The narrator conflicts with the Brotherhood because he is not blind. The Brotherhood requires its members to be blind so that they can control the person for their specific use. Also the Brotherhood itself is blind indicated by Brother Jack's fake eye falling out when he discusses their ideology. The narrator differs, however, because he is more individual than collective in the his own ideology. He wants to be free to do as he pleases so he can help the Harlem community wheras the Brotherhood wants to blind him and lead him where they want him (similar to leading a blind horse).
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