Sunday, May 24, 2020

Loss of Identity in Invisible Man Essay - 1262 Words

Loss of Identity in Invisible Man nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; No matter how hard the Invisible Man tries, he can never break from the mold of black society. This mold is crafted and held together by white society during the novel. The stereotypes and expectations of a racist society compel blacks to behave only in certain ways, never allowing them to act according to their own will. Even the actions of black activists seeking equality are manipulated as if they are marionettes on strings. Throughout the novel the Invisible Man encounters this phenomenon and although he strives to achieve his own identity in society, his determination is that it is impossible. nbsp; In the beginning of the novel, the Invisible Man is†¦show more content†¦The marionette metaphor is therefore exemplified in a physical sense. However the Invisible Man observes others in the book that manifest this metaphor in a psychological sense. nbsp; The concept of blindness is a reoccurring theme in the book that serves to control the blacks. Reverend Barbees sermon is the first encounter involving symbolic blindness. The sermon reinforces the values of the school, which give the impression that blacks have the opportunity to gain true equality if they work hard enough. Barbee tells the story of the founder of the school. Barbee regards the Founder as a god of sorts, whose ideology should be trusted completely, like a religion. The sermon declares that the Founders ideology and life represent a universal example that should be followed. Interestingly enough, Barbee is physically blind and therefore displays how this ideology is followed blindly. This serves to pigeon hole the efforts of the students at the college, keeping them in control, further emulating this marionette metaphor. Although at this point in the book the Invisible Man does not yet realize it, this is his first encounter with this metaphor in a psycho logical sense. nbsp; Later on in the novel, the Invisible Man joins the Brotherhood, and the theme ofShow MoreRelatedThe Rise And Fall Of The American Dream1643 Words   |  7 Pagescircumstances of birth. Both The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Invisible Man, by Ralph Ellison, tell the story of a man and his experiences as he embarks on his pursuit of the American Dream. However, as the novels progress, one is able to see the various ways in which society deeply affects both protagonists’ overall understanding and pursuit of what they consider to be the American Dream. 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