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.
Invisible Man Chapter 18 & 19 Reading Questions
Chapter 18
1. Consider the symbolism of the link of chain Tarp gives the narrator. In what ways does it link the narrator to tarp? To his past? Is it significant that Wrestrum rejects that link?
The link of chain is a symbol for the continuous battle against injustice. By giving it to the narrator, Tarp is giving him the responsibility of carrying out the fight against oppression. It also links the narrator to his Southern culture. It is significant that Wrestrum rejects the link because it demonstrates that he does not acknowledge the pass and would rather forget about it. The link makes Wrestrum feel really uncomfortable and perceives it as a threat to The Brotherhood.
2. What seems to cause the fight between Wrestrum and the narrator? What do you think is the REAL reason for his fight?
Wrestrum believes that the narrator has become to powerful and that he is putting his self interest before the overall well being of the Brotherhood. I think the real reason is that he is just jealous and upset that the narrator forgot to mention his idea of creating an emblem to represent the Brotherhood.
3. At the end of the chapter, the narrator is sent out of Harlem. Why would The Brotherhood remove a successful member of the party and send him off to lecture on a subject about which he knows so little either by training or personal experience?
It is a form of limiting the narrator's power by having him focus on something he knows little about.
Chapter 19
1. In what ways is Ellison playing with the idea that white women are drawn to Black me?
He makes the meeting with the woman more like a date rather than a meeting to discuss ideology. The women invites him into her home and then offers the narrator wine and changes into something more comfortable. The diction used by the narrator implies this idea as well.
Ex: The woman describes the narrator's voice as "primitive." This shows that part of her interest in him is the fact that he's Black.
2. What reaction does the woman give when her husband comes home?
She doesn't seem to mind or really care at all.
3. What is the narrator's action?
The narrator curses himself for putting himself in that situation and decides to grab his clothes and leave. He later contemplates the idea that it might of all been a set up, but nothing ever happens.
4. Do you think this chapter is humorous, or is it serious social commentary?
I think this chapter had a little bit of both. It was humorous in the fact that a Black man was sent to speak about social equality when he doesn't even have it himself. There's a bit of social commentary in the situation with the woman. The husband didn't even react like someone normally would. He doesn't perceive the narrator as a threat and maybe not even as a human, well not to the level that they are at.
1. Consider the symbolism of the link of chain Tarp gives the narrator. In what ways does it link the narrator to tarp? To his past? Is it significant that Wrestrum rejects that link?
The link of chain is a symbol for the continuous battle against injustice. By giving it to the narrator, Tarp is giving him the responsibility of carrying out the fight against oppression. It also links the narrator to his Southern culture. It is significant that Wrestrum rejects the link because it demonstrates that he does not acknowledge the pass and would rather forget about it. The link makes Wrestrum feel really uncomfortable and perceives it as a threat to The Brotherhood.
2. What seems to cause the fight between Wrestrum and the narrator? What do you think is the REAL reason for his fight?
Wrestrum believes that the narrator has become to powerful and that he is putting his self interest before the overall well being of the Brotherhood. I think the real reason is that he is just jealous and upset that the narrator forgot to mention his idea of creating an emblem to represent the Brotherhood.
3. At the end of the chapter, the narrator is sent out of Harlem. Why would The Brotherhood remove a successful member of the party and send him off to lecture on a subject about which he knows so little either by training or personal experience?
It is a form of limiting the narrator's power by having him focus on something he knows little about.
Chapter 19
1. In what ways is Ellison playing with the idea that white women are drawn to Black me?
He makes the meeting with the woman more like a date rather than a meeting to discuss ideology. The women invites him into her home and then offers the narrator wine and changes into something more comfortable. The diction used by the narrator implies this idea as well.
Ex: The woman describes the narrator's voice as "primitive." This shows that part of her interest in him is the fact that he's Black.
2. What reaction does the woman give when her husband comes home?
She doesn't seem to mind or really care at all.
3. What is the narrator's action?
The narrator curses himself for putting himself in that situation and decides to grab his clothes and leave. He later contemplates the idea that it might of all been a set up, but nothing ever happens.
4. Do you think this chapter is humorous, or is it serious social commentary?
I think this chapter had a little bit of both. It was humorous in the fact that a Black man was sent to speak about social equality when he doesn't even have it himself. There's a bit of social commentary in the situation with the woman. The husband didn't even react like someone normally would. He doesn't perceive the narrator as a threat and maybe not even as a human, well not to the level that they are at.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Invisible Man Chapter 17 Reading Questions
1. How much time has passed since the narrator's speech?
4 months
2. Describe Brother Hambro.
"A tall, friendly man, a lawyer and The Brotherhood's chief theoretician, he had proved to be a hard taskmaker." The narrator viewed him as a "fantastic teacher."
3. What is Ras' political doctrine and why is it in conflict with that of The Brotherhood?
Ras believes that all Blacks should group together versus The Brotherhood who believes that Whites and Blacks should work together. Ras views Whites as all being horrible and anyone that works with them is a traitor.
4. Who is Tod Clifton? Why do he and the narrator become friends? Note that "tod" means death in German. Why does Ras spare Clifton's life?
He is the leader of the youth. The narrator becomes friends with him because he is black and young with an education just like him. Ras spares Clifton's life because he's black. He doesn't believe in killing his own kind. He think's its absurd to be fighting Black vs. Black.
5. Ras pleads with the narrator to become a part of the black unity and leave The Brotherhood. His arguments are similar to those of the Black Panthers and other who came to the political forefront in the 1960s. The Communist Party did, in effect, betray the Blacks who helped build the party in the 1930s. What side do you believe Ellison is supporting?
I believe Ellison is supporting Ras/Black Panther side because of how he sets up the plot in the novel. The Brotherhood attempts to change the narrator and Ras is their to point out all the negative sides of it.
6. What is significant about the portrait of Douglass that hangs in Brother Tarp's office? How is Tarp like Douglass? Like the narrator's grandfather?
It symbolizes the hopes and dreams that he has for the future. They are similar because Tarp believes in the idea of a slave transforming into a wide viewed figure. He is like this grandfather in the fact that they believe they should stand up to Blacks.
4 months
2. Describe Brother Hambro.
"A tall, friendly man, a lawyer and The Brotherhood's chief theoretician, he had proved to be a hard taskmaker." The narrator viewed him as a "fantastic teacher."
3. What is Ras' political doctrine and why is it in conflict with that of The Brotherhood?
Ras believes that all Blacks should group together versus The Brotherhood who believes that Whites and Blacks should work together. Ras views Whites as all being horrible and anyone that works with them is a traitor.
4. Who is Tod Clifton? Why do he and the narrator become friends? Note that "tod" means death in German. Why does Ras spare Clifton's life?
He is the leader of the youth. The narrator becomes friends with him because he is black and young with an education just like him. Ras spares Clifton's life because he's black. He doesn't believe in killing his own kind. He think's its absurd to be fighting Black vs. Black.
5. Ras pleads with the narrator to become a part of the black unity and leave The Brotherhood. His arguments are similar to those of the Black Panthers and other who came to the political forefront in the 1960s. The Communist Party did, in effect, betray the Blacks who helped build the party in the 1930s. What side do you believe Ellison is supporting?
I believe Ellison is supporting Ras/Black Panther side because of how he sets up the plot in the novel. The Brotherhood attempts to change the narrator and Ras is their to point out all the negative sides of it.
6. What is significant about the portrait of Douglass that hangs in Brother Tarp's office? How is Tarp like Douglass? Like the narrator's grandfather?
It symbolizes the hopes and dreams that he has for the future. They are similar because Tarp believes in the idea of a slave transforming into a wide viewed figure. He is like this grandfather in the fact that they believe they should stand up to Blacks.
Invisible Man Chapter 16 Reading Questions
1. List all the images of blindness in this chapter? What do you think the narrator means when he says he has become "more human?"
"Then swiftly we were in the dark again..."
"Then suddenly I was blinded and felt myself coach into the man ahead of me."
"The light was so strong that I could no longer see the audience..."
"They think we're blind -- uncommonly blind."
"You know, if we aren't careful, they'll slip up on our blind sides..."
"Let's reclaim our sight; let's combine and spread our vision."
By stating the narrator is "more human" he is saying that he has gathered the support from others. He finally feels as if he has somebody on his side and that he belongs.
2. How does the narrator use the image of blindness as the central theme of his speech?
He tells the audience that they are blind to the oppression of the whites. They argue within each other without realizing that the White men are the problem. If they bind together, they will be able to move and see forward.
3. Be prepared to discuss the speech as a further expression of the narrator's developing identity.
The speech is an important development in the narrator's identity. He finally feels accepted by others and that he is really making a change in the people.
4. The rewritten quote from James Joyce is often discussed. Do you think that is is the duty of an individual to represent a particular race, gender, or group? Do you believe is is more important to concentrate on developing ones individual identity?
To a certain extent it is. Your race, gender, or group are part of what make you who you are. Denying it would be like denying a part of yourself. Compared to one's race, gender, or group, one's identity is more important because you have to understand who you are in order to move forward in your life.
5. What is The Brotherhood's reaction to the speech? What is your personal reaction? What criticism of The Brotherhood is implied here?
The Brotherhood was unhappy with the speech. They believed it was too emotional and needed to be more scientific. I personally believed his speech was good! He was able to point out the problems in society with a manner that the public understood. The fact that The Brotherhood did not like the speech demonstrates that they are more concerned with their image then with what they really say.
"Then swiftly we were in the dark again..."
"Then suddenly I was blinded and felt myself coach into the man ahead of me."
"The light was so strong that I could no longer see the audience..."
"They think we're blind -- uncommonly blind."
"You know, if we aren't careful, they'll slip up on our blind sides..."
"Let's reclaim our sight; let's combine and spread our vision."
By stating the narrator is "more human" he is saying that he has gathered the support from others. He finally feels as if he has somebody on his side and that he belongs.
2. How does the narrator use the image of blindness as the central theme of his speech?
He tells the audience that they are blind to the oppression of the whites. They argue within each other without realizing that the White men are the problem. If they bind together, they will be able to move and see forward.
3. Be prepared to discuss the speech as a further expression of the narrator's developing identity.
The speech is an important development in the narrator's identity. He finally feels accepted by others and that he is really making a change in the people.
4. The rewritten quote from James Joyce is often discussed. Do you think that is is the duty of an individual to represent a particular race, gender, or group? Do you believe is is more important to concentrate on developing ones individual identity?
To a certain extent it is. Your race, gender, or group are part of what make you who you are. Denying it would be like denying a part of yourself. Compared to one's race, gender, or group, one's identity is more important because you have to understand who you are in order to move forward in your life.
5. What is The Brotherhood's reaction to the speech? What is your personal reaction? What criticism of The Brotherhood is implied here?
The Brotherhood was unhappy with the speech. They believed it was too emotional and needed to be more scientific. I personally believed his speech was good! He was able to point out the problems in society with a manner that the public understood. The fact that The Brotherhood did not like the speech demonstrates that they are more concerned with their image then with what they really say.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Invisible Man Chapter 15 Reading Questions
1. Think about the symbolism of the Sambo bank. Is is related to Clifton's Sambo doll? What about the fact that is belonged to Mary Rambo? What about the bank's "grinning mouth" that swallows coins? Think back to the Battle Royal in Chapter 1.
Yes, they both illustrate the negative stereotypes of Blacks. The fact that the Mary Rambo owned the coin bank demonstrates the outdated values that she holds and because of her ignorance she doesn't necessarily see a problem with owning the Sambo bank. The bank has a "grinning mouth" that swallows coins this shows how money motivates Blacks. It also, highlights the pattern in slavery. The slaves that behaved received a reward, which made them happy. This relates back to Chapter 1 of the Battle Royal were the youth scramble to collect coins, reinforcing the stereotype of Blacks as servile and humble. When the narrator attempts to get rid of the coin bank it is always returned to him. This symbolizes the idea that no matter how hard you try to fight these stereotypes and destroy them, they always have a way of following you around.
Yes, they both illustrate the negative stereotypes of Blacks. The fact that the Mary Rambo owned the coin bank demonstrates the outdated values that she holds and because of her ignorance she doesn't necessarily see a problem with owning the Sambo bank. The bank has a "grinning mouth" that swallows coins this shows how money motivates Blacks. It also, highlights the pattern in slavery. The slaves that behaved received a reward, which made them happy. This relates back to Chapter 1 of the Battle Royal were the youth scramble to collect coins, reinforcing the stereotype of Blacks as servile and humble. When the narrator attempts to get rid of the coin bank it is always returned to him. This symbolizes the idea that no matter how hard you try to fight these stereotypes and destroy them, they always have a way of following you around.
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