Non-African Prose: The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison - SS1 Literature Past Questions and Answers - page 1
Which of the following is NOT a major character in Invisible Man?
Dr. Bledsoe
Brother Jack
Ras the Exhorter
Jim Trueblood
What does the narrator's invisibility symbolize?
His physical appearance
His social status
His psychological state
All of the above
Which of the following is NOT a theme of Invisible Man?
Racism
Identity
Self-determination
Love
Which of the following minor characters represents the best of black culture?
The grandfather
Mary Rambo
Tod Clifton
Rinehart
Which of the following minor characters represents the negative aspects of black culture?
The grandfather
Mary Rambo
Tod Clifton
Rinehart
Discuss the different ways that black people have responded to racism in America, as represented by the major characters in Invisible Man.
The major characters in Invisible Man represent the different ways that black people have responded to racism in America. Dr. Bledsoe represents the accommodationist approach, Brother Jack represents the radical approach, and Ras the Exhorter represents the separatist approach. The narrator ultimately rejects all of these ideologies and chooses to define himself on his own terms.
Explain how the narrator's invisibility changes over the course of the novel.
The narrator's invisibility changes over the course of the novel. At first, he is invisible to white society because they do not see him as a fully human being. However, he eventually comes to realize that he is also invisible to himself. He has lost his sense of identity due to the effects of racism and discrimination. By the end of the novel, the narrator has come to accept his invisibility, but he has also learned to define himself on his own terms.
Analyze the significance of the setting in Invisible Man.
The setting of Invisible Man is significant because it represents the different challenges faced by black people in America. The novel is set in the early 20th century, during a time of widespread racism and discrimination. The narrator's journey from the South to Harlem represents the journey that many black people made during this time in search of a better life.
Discuss the relationship between the narrator and Mary Rambo.
The relationship between the narrator and Mary Rambo is significant because it represents the possibility of love and acceptance across racial lines. Mary Rambo is a blind white woman who falls in love with the narrator. She does not see him as invisible, and she accepts him for who he is. However, their relationship is ultimately doomed because of the racism of the society in which they live.
Compare and contrast the narrator's grandfather and Rinehart.
The narrator's grandfather and Rinehart are two contrasting characters. The grandfather is a wise and compassionate man who teaches the narrator the importance of self-respect and dignity. Rinehart is a con artist who takes advantage of people for his own personal gain. The grandfather represents the best of black culture, while Rinehart represents the negative aspects of black culture