Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Women in Invisible Man - Analysis of Sybil from the Chthonian (300 - 314)
In chapter 24, the narrator finds himself looking for a woman to sexually manipulate. In his search, he comes across a woman named Sybil. He remembers she has approached him before at a previous lecture. He also knows that she is an unhappy wife, which makes her an easier target than Emma. The narrator's plan goes well and arranges for Sybil to meet him at his apartment the following evening. The narrator is risking degrading himself in the process of exploiting Sybil. The narrator spends the entire next day preparing for his encounter with Sybil. Quickly after Sybil's arrival, they both become drunk. The narrator realizes that Sybil holds no information and she is more interested in the narrator fulfilling her fantasy of certain black stereotypes. Sybil reveals that she wants the narrator to rape her and that she might me a nymphomaniac. The narrator is reluctant to play into this fantasy, but by doing so it demonstrates his lack of direction. It is a cowardly action and it one of the deepest points of disillusionment in the novel. He has stoop so low to take control of the situation and ends becoming even more lost. Afterwards, the narrator receives a call that he must return to Harlem. Sybil makes many attempts to stay with the Invisible Man. She is similar to the coin bank in that she was difficult to get rid of. Overall, Sybil further emphasizes the idea of Black men being objects. She represents the horrible and stereotypic views associated with them. By the narrator allowing himself to be put in a situation like this it demonstrates his invisibility. He is allowing himself to be something that he is not and doesn't stand up to these views. It is ironic that he becomes offended by the coin bank and sambo doll, but not by this racist fantasy that Sybil wants to act out.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Invisible Man Chapter 25 & Epilogue Reading Questions
Chapter 24
1. What causes the riot?
The cause is unclear, but one states that it is because of Tod Clifton's death and the other believes it is because of Ras the Destroyer. The narrator comes to the realization that the riot was the committee's plan all along. They knew the Black people of Harlem wouldn't stand a chance against armed police men.
2. Think about the Book of Revelations in the Bible. In what ways is Ras like one of the four
horseman of the Apocalypse?
The Black horse is popularly understood to represent famine, which doesn't really equal up to what Ras stands for. But he is like one of the horseman, in that he is delivering the apocalypse. Ras encompasses the force and anger of the all the Blacks into one man.
3. What drives the narrator underground?
He is running from a group of white men and falls into a manhole. They then shut the hole because he will not come out.
4. What does the narrator do with the papers in his briefcase? How is this action symbolic?
He burns them for a source of lighting to search for a exit. It is symbolic in that he is burning all his baggage and history that was holding him back before. In the process, he realizes Brother Jack was the one who wrote him the anonymous letter.
Epilogue
1. In what ways has the novel come full circle?
It begins and ends with the narrator in a hole.
2. Is this a satisfactory ending for the novel? What or why not?
Yes, because the narrator is able to acknowledge his growth and identity. The ending is thoughtful and reflective.
1. What causes the riot?
The cause is unclear, but one states that it is because of Tod Clifton's death and the other believes it is because of Ras the Destroyer. The narrator comes to the realization that the riot was the committee's plan all along. They knew the Black people of Harlem wouldn't stand a chance against armed police men.
2. Think about the Book of Revelations in the Bible. In what ways is Ras like one of the four
horseman of the Apocalypse?
The Black horse is popularly understood to represent famine, which doesn't really equal up to what Ras stands for. But he is like one of the horseman, in that he is delivering the apocalypse. Ras encompasses the force and anger of the all the Blacks into one man.
3. What drives the narrator underground?
He is running from a group of white men and falls into a manhole. They then shut the hole because he will not come out.
4. What does the narrator do with the papers in his briefcase? How is this action symbolic?
He burns them for a source of lighting to search for a exit. It is symbolic in that he is burning all his baggage and history that was holding him back before. In the process, he realizes Brother Jack was the one who wrote him the anonymous letter.
Epilogue
1. In what ways has the novel come full circle?
It begins and ends with the narrator in a hole.
2. Is this a satisfactory ending for the novel? What or why not?
Yes, because the narrator is able to acknowledge his growth and identity. The ending is thoughtful and reflective.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Invisible Man Chapter 24 Reading Questions
1. Contrast the narrator's encounter with Sybil with that of the woman in red whose husband came home early.
The narrator is actually looking for a woman to get information out of when he comes across Sybil. The lady in the red was the one who approached him in Chapter 19. The narrator actually liked the fact that she was a married woman and he made sure her husband would catch them. He seduced Sybil instead of her seducing him, which is what happened with the women in red. He is in control this time. The narrator is shocked when Sybil asks him to pretend to rape her and that she might be a nymphomaniac. They actually don't have sex.
2. What is the significance of the last line in the chapter?
To demonstrate the narrator is still running from his true identity and now he is running right back into Harlem, which has shaped his identity deeply. Harlem is ever changing.
The narrator is actually looking for a woman to get information out of when he comes across Sybil. The lady in the red was the one who approached him in Chapter 19. The narrator actually liked the fact that she was a married woman and he made sure her husband would catch them. He seduced Sybil instead of her seducing him, which is what happened with the women in red. He is in control this time. The narrator is shocked when Sybil asks him to pretend to rape her and that she might be a nymphomaniac. They actually don't have sex.
2. What is the significance of the last line in the chapter?
To demonstrate the narrator is still running from his true identity and now he is running right back into Harlem, which has shaped his identity deeply. Harlem is ever changing.
Invisible Man Chapter 23 Reading Questions
1. What symbolism do you find in the narrator's purchase of dark glasses?
He initially buys them to hide from Ras. While wearing them he is mistaken for someone else. The narrator quickly finds himself acting different, when wearing the glasses. This shows how weak his self of identity is and how easily it is shaped. It is also ironic that he becomes more invisible by becoming more obvious.
2. What are Rinehart's various identities?
A pimp, gambler, reverend, lover, and a friend.
3. Is there any symbolism in Rinehart's name (Rind and heart)?
It is a symbolism of being inside (heart) and outside (rind) at the same time. Rinehart represents a duel persona and the advantages of being seen as so many different things.
4. Has Rinehart learned to play an identity game?
Rinehart is able to be multiple things because he has learned how to be socially invisible.
He initially buys them to hide from Ras. While wearing them he is mistaken for someone else. The narrator quickly finds himself acting different, when wearing the glasses. This shows how weak his self of identity is and how easily it is shaped. It is also ironic that he becomes more invisible by becoming more obvious.
2. What are Rinehart's various identities?
A pimp, gambler, reverend, lover, and a friend.
3. Is there any symbolism in Rinehart's name (Rind and heart)?
It is a symbolism of being inside (heart) and outside (rind) at the same time. Rinehart represents a duel persona and the advantages of being seen as so many different things.
4. Has Rinehart learned to play an identity game?
Rinehart is able to be multiple things because he has learned how to be socially invisible.
Brainstorm additional situations in which unquestioning obedience is expected. When is it okay to simply expect obedience? When should people be encouraged to think for themselves? How can a person tell when being told not to "think" is an attempt to put down or limit opportunities and actions of a particular group?
Some additional situations in which unquestioning obedience is expected include:
- Jobs: if your boss/manager asks you to do something it is expected that you will do it without question. Generally, if you question orders you may be fired.
- Parent/child relationship: It is expected that children will obey their parents without hesitation. Questioning or reluctancy can lead to punishment.
- Police: Generally, when you get pulled over you're supposed to comply with the officer. Obviously, there are situations in which this has not been true.
I think it's okay to except obedience when it doesn't put you in harm. Generally, this type of obedience is needed to maintain structure and keep people safe. For the most part, people can anticipate being told what to do. Like at a job, when you applied a job description was provided and no one made you take the job. It's the same concept in the military, you knew what you were signing up for. Also, a person is usually gaining something by giving this unconditional obedience. At a job, it's the money. In school, it's graduating and maintaing a good school record. People should speak out when part of being obedient puts them in a dangerous situation or makes them do something degrading. Another time that it's acceptable is when you can tell the person's intentions are negative and only want to harm you. Honestly, I think a teacher assigning a 1000 word essay because you didn't follow her instructions is ridiculous. They should give the student lunch detention or after school detention. You can tell a person is attempting to put you down when they mock you or make sarcastic remarks. Also, just the feeling of the situation can let you know if the person is just trying to put you down. Overall, obedience is part of having structure. You don't want a school full of students doing whatever they want. No one wants employees who disregard rules and policies. In general, someone has to compromise with giving obedience in order to move forward until you're the one giving the orders.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Invisible Man Chapter 22 Reading Questions
1. Why is the meeting with the Brotherhood described in terms of a dream?
Because everything feels unreal to the narrator and he is unsure of what to expect.
2. On p. 463, the members are said to have "flowed in one channel too long and too deeply." What does this mean?
That his feelings have been bottled up for too long.
3. Why does the Brotherhood object to the phrase "personal responsibility?"
Because no one has responsibility for anybody but themselves. Also that would imply that the narrator has power and authority, which the Brotherhood insists that he does not.
4. Contrast the reaction of the Brotherhood to the funeral speech to the audience's reaction to the graduation speech. Has the narrator come full circle?
The narrator received positive feedback from the graduation speech, but negative feedback from the funeral speech. Instead of saying what the Whites wanted to hear the narrator spoke his mind and what he truly believed. Once the Brotherhood began to critique his actions and speech he stood up for himself instead of just complying with them as he did with his graduation speech.
5. What is the significant of Brother Jack's glass eye? How does it develop the sight image that is throughout the book?
The eye symbolizes Jack's limited vision of the world, a vision without a perspective other than Jack's greediness and self-interest. Jack's limited vision makes the narrator feel as if he was invisible to the Brotherhood and Jack all along.
Because everything feels unreal to the narrator and he is unsure of what to expect.
2. On p. 463, the members are said to have "flowed in one channel too long and too deeply." What does this mean?
That his feelings have been bottled up for too long.
3. Why does the Brotherhood object to the phrase "personal responsibility?"
Because no one has responsibility for anybody but themselves. Also that would imply that the narrator has power and authority, which the Brotherhood insists that he does not.
4. Contrast the reaction of the Brotherhood to the funeral speech to the audience's reaction to the graduation speech. Has the narrator come full circle?
The narrator received positive feedback from the graduation speech, but negative feedback from the funeral speech. Instead of saying what the Whites wanted to hear the narrator spoke his mind and what he truly believed. Once the Brotherhood began to critique his actions and speech he stood up for himself instead of just complying with them as he did with his graduation speech.
5. What is the significant of Brother Jack's glass eye? How does it develop the sight image that is throughout the book?
The eye symbolizes Jack's limited vision of the world, a vision without a perspective other than Jack's greediness and self-interest. Jack's limited vision makes the narrator feel as if he was invisible to the Brotherhood and Jack all along.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Invisible Man Chapter 20 & 21 Reading Questions
Chapter 20
1. The narrator has been away from Harlem for several months. What "emergency" calls him back downtown?
To talk to Brother Maceo
2. What changes have taken place in the movement since he left. (Note how things have changed in the Jolly Dollar Bar.)
Things aren't going well within The Brotherhood, so many people have been put out. The Jolly Dollar Bar is suffering as well. The narrator senses these changes when he calls two familiar men "brothers" and they become offended.
3. What does Ellison mean when he says that returning to Harlem was "like returning to the city of the dead?"
The feel of Harlem has taken a complete change. The narrator no longer feels at home in Harlem. There is little evidence of The Brotherhood's activism and they are all hard to contact.
4. What is Clifton selling?
The Sambo Doll
5. How does the Sambo doll relate to the Sambo bank?
They both symbolize negative stereotypes and ideas towards Blacks. The doll was created as a representation of a Sambo slave, which demonstrates them as entertainers. The exaggerated movements conjure images of black rhythm and sensuality.
6. What do you think the doll symbolizes? Consider the fact that it is a puppet whose strings are pulled.
It symbolizes how Blacks are easily controlled and manipulated by Whites.
7. How does Tod Clifton die? What is the narrator's reaction to his death?
A police officer was trying to fine him for the puppet show. In the process, Clifton ends up punching the officer and in reaction the officer shoots him. The narrator is shocked by his death. He is dumbfounded that Clifton would leave The Brotherhood for this. He comes to the conclusion that Clifton's history will never be written by the White men that killed him.
Chapter 21
1. Why does the narrator feel guilt over Clifton's death?
Because instead of denouncing the significance of the doll, he acted personally and spat on it. He did could've used the moment to educate the people. He had aided to social backwardness by making the crowed laugh even more. Now, he would never get a chance to truly know why Clifton was selling the Sambo Doll. The narrator begins to contemplate how the situation would've been different if he had hit Clifton. They both would've been arrested with no shooting involved. He now believes that his anger sped up his death.
2. Look at the funeral speech. How many times does the narrator use Clifton's name? Why so many?
Twenty-two times. He uses to emphasize Clifton's as an individual rather than a part of a group. Clifton ultimately gave up the Brotherhood, but his life is still worth celebrating.
1. The narrator has been away from Harlem for several months. What "emergency" calls him back downtown?
To talk to Brother Maceo
2. What changes have taken place in the movement since he left. (Note how things have changed in the Jolly Dollar Bar.)
Things aren't going well within The Brotherhood, so many people have been put out. The Jolly Dollar Bar is suffering as well. The narrator senses these changes when he calls two familiar men "brothers" and they become offended.
3. What does Ellison mean when he says that returning to Harlem was "like returning to the city of the dead?"
The feel of Harlem has taken a complete change. The narrator no longer feels at home in Harlem. There is little evidence of The Brotherhood's activism and they are all hard to contact.
4. What is Clifton selling?
The Sambo Doll
5. How does the Sambo doll relate to the Sambo bank?
They both symbolize negative stereotypes and ideas towards Blacks. The doll was created as a representation of a Sambo slave, which demonstrates them as entertainers. The exaggerated movements conjure images of black rhythm and sensuality.
6. What do you think the doll symbolizes? Consider the fact that it is a puppet whose strings are pulled.
It symbolizes how Blacks are easily controlled and manipulated by Whites.
7. How does Tod Clifton die? What is the narrator's reaction to his death?
A police officer was trying to fine him for the puppet show. In the process, Clifton ends up punching the officer and in reaction the officer shoots him. The narrator is shocked by his death. He is dumbfounded that Clifton would leave The Brotherhood for this. He comes to the conclusion that Clifton's history will never be written by the White men that killed him.
Chapter 21
1. Why does the narrator feel guilt over Clifton's death?
Because instead of denouncing the significance of the doll, he acted personally and spat on it. He did could've used the moment to educate the people. He had aided to social backwardness by making the crowed laugh even more. Now, he would never get a chance to truly know why Clifton was selling the Sambo Doll. The narrator begins to contemplate how the situation would've been different if he had hit Clifton. They both would've been arrested with no shooting involved. He now believes that his anger sped up his death.
2. Look at the funeral speech. How many times does the narrator use Clifton's name? Why so many?
Twenty-two times. He uses to emphasize Clifton's as an individual rather than a part of a group. Clifton ultimately gave up the Brotherhood, but his life is still worth celebrating.
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