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.