General Overview of the Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man - SS1 Literature Lesson Note

General Overview of Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man

Invisible Man is a semi-autobiographical novel by Ralph Ellison that tells the story of an unnamed black man's journey to self-discovery in a racist society. The novel was published in 1952 to critical acclaim and won the National Book Award. It is considered one of the greatest American novels of the 20th century and a seminal work of African American literature.

The novel is set in the early 20th century, primarily in the American South and Harlem, New York. It explores the effects of racism on black identity and the struggle for self-determination.

Character Analysis 1: Major Characters

The Narrator: The narrator is the protagonist of the novel. He is a young black man who is struggling to find his place in the world. He is intelligent and introspective, but he is also naive and idealistic. He is forced to confront the harsh realities of racism and discrimination as he journeys through life.
Dr. Bledsoe: Dr. Bledsoe is the president of the narrator's black college. He is a successful and well-respected man, but he is also deeply conservative and beholden to white society. He represents the accommodationist approach to black progress.
Brother Jack: Brother Jack is the leader of the Brotherhood, a communist organization. He is a charismatic and idealistic man, but he is also ruthless and manipulative. He represents the radical approach to black progress.
Ras the Exhorter: Ras the Exhorter is a black nationalist leader. He is a passionate and fiery speaker, but he is also divisive and extremist. He represents the separatist approach to black progress.

Discussion on Their Roles and Significances

The major characters in Invisible Man represent the different ways that black people have responded to racism in America. The narrator is caught in the middle of these competing ideologies, and he must ultimately decide for himself which path he will follow.

Dr. Bledsoe represents the accommodationist approach. He believes that black people should focus on achieving economic and educational success within the existing system. Brother Jack represents the radical approach. He believes that black people must overthrow the system and establish a new one. Ras the Exhorter represents the separatist approach. He believes that black people should withdraw from white society and create their own nation.

The narrator ultimately rejects all of these ideologies. He realizes that he must define himself on his own terms, regardless of how white society sees him. He becomes an invisible man, not because he is invisible to white society, but because he refuses to be defined by white society.

Examining How the Characters Are Related

The major characters in Invisible Man are all interconnected in some way. The narrator is drawn to each of them in turn, but he ultimately becomes disillusioned with all of them.

The narrator is initially drawn to Dr. Bledsoe because he represents the success that the narrator himself desires. However, the narrator eventually realizes that Bledsoe is beholden to white society and that he is not willing to fight for the rights of black people.

The narrator is then drawn to Brother Jack because he represents the hope of a better future. However, the narrator eventually realizes that Brother Jack is using him and that he is not truly committed to black liberation.

The narrator is finally drawn to Ras the Exhorter because he represents the possibility of a new world order. However, the narrator eventually realizes that Ras is a dangerous extremist and that his separatist ideology is ultimately self-destructive.

Character Analysis 2: Minor Characters

The minor characters in Invisible Man play an important role in the novel's plot and themes. They represent the different aspects of black life in America, both positive and negative.

The Grandfather: The narrator's grandfather is a wise and compassionate man who teaches the narrator about the importance of self-respect and dignity. He represents the best of black culture.
Mary Rambo: Mary Rambo is a blind white woman who falls in love with the narrator. She represents the possibility of love and acceptance across racial lines.
Tod Clifton: Tod Clifton is a talented black artist who is struggling to find his place in the world. He represents the challenges faced by black artists in a racist society.
Rinehart: Rinehart is a con artist who takes advantage of people for his own personal gain. He represents the negative aspects of black culture.

Analyze Their Roles and Significances to the Plot

The minor characters in Invisible Man play an important role in the narrator's journey to self-discovery. They help him to learn about himself and about the world around him.

The narrator's grandfather teaches him the importance of self-respect and dignity. Mary Rambo shows him the possibility of love and acceptance across racial lines. Tod Clifton shows him the challenges faced by black artists in a racist society