Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Invisible Man Ch 20- End
Chapter 20
Things have fallen apart in Harlem. It’s understandable that the narrator would feel indignant for any number of reasons.
Tod Clifton is now found. Surely this is another of those important symbols: the dancing Sambo doll. What can you make of it?
-It is grinning.
-It is dancing.
-It is actually under the control of someone, though the strings are hard to see.
-It is “an obscene flouncing of everything human.”
The narrator has some very interesting and deep reflections on the subway after the shooting incident. At the end he says the collapse of all their work had been his fault. Why would he say that?
Chapter 21
The narrator delivers a speech at Tod’s funeral. What do you think of it? Notice also that he knows The Brothers would probably object to it.
Chapter 22
Look at p. 462 (2nd page of the chapter). Here is a conversation with Brother Jack, in which we hear echoes of Chapter 1. Very interesting….
On p. 467, the narrator brings up a good point. “Some would call me a traitor if….” Being a traitor is confusing, and maybe dangerous.
There is an important image/symbol here, too: Jack’s eye.
Jack talks about his eye and equates it with sacrifice. The narrator says something else about it (see the bottom of 475).
As the chapter ends, the narrator knows that he “wouldn’t ever look the same, or feel the same. Just what I’d be, I didn’t know….”
Chapter 23
The narrator puts on a pair of sunglasses and is immediately called, “Rinehart.”
Who is Rinehart? This one identity is actually more than just one.
Does the narrator want to be Rinehart or not?
And what about the worship service—anything interesting about that?
Hambro tells the narrator that some people must be sacrificed. The narrator replies, “Everywhere I’ve turned somebody has wanted to sacrifice me for my good...,”and later, “I was both. Both sacrificer and victim.” I told you—it’s not simple!
And one page later he says that he is agreeing “without agreeing.” Shades of the grandfather. And he admits that he is invisible. Is it at this point that he first decides to celebrate his invisibility?
Chapter 24
It seems a bit ironic (maybe?) that the people the narrator starts “yessing” are not the nameless, evil, white policy makers, but rather people who ostensibly are trying to make good social changes. (Maybe Norton fits this category as well).
How does the narrator “yes” the Brothers?
Discuss the scene involving Sybil. There’s a lot there to talk about. And I think it’s OK to say there’s some amount of humor in that scene, too. Talk.
Chapter 25
What’s happening in this chapter? What’s the cause of it, do you think?
How guilty is the narrator?
Discuss the narrator’s identity/[in]visibility during the riot.
Where does the narrator end up at the end? Any significance to that?
What is significant about using his papers for fire?
Epilogue
A lot of deep stuff here. He wraps up, but of course, it’s not that simple.
Also consider his meeting with Norton. What are we to make of it?
Overall:
Well…? What do you say? Are the critics’ comments on the cover accurate? What would you say if asked to put a comment on the cover? ET CETERA.
Things have fallen apart in Harlem. It’s understandable that the narrator would feel indignant for any number of reasons.
Tod Clifton is now found. Surely this is another of those important symbols: the dancing Sambo doll. What can you make of it?
-It is grinning.
-It is dancing.
-It is actually under the control of someone, though the strings are hard to see.
-It is “an obscene flouncing of everything human.”
The narrator has some very interesting and deep reflections on the subway after the shooting incident. At the end he says the collapse of all their work had been his fault. Why would he say that?
Chapter 21
The narrator delivers a speech at Tod’s funeral. What do you think of it? Notice also that he knows The Brothers would probably object to it.
Chapter 22
Look at p. 462 (2nd page of the chapter). Here is a conversation with Brother Jack, in which we hear echoes of Chapter 1. Very interesting….
On p. 467, the narrator brings up a good point. “Some would call me a traitor if….” Being a traitor is confusing, and maybe dangerous.
There is an important image/symbol here, too: Jack’s eye.
Jack talks about his eye and equates it with sacrifice. The narrator says something else about it (see the bottom of 475).
As the chapter ends, the narrator knows that he “wouldn’t ever look the same, or feel the same. Just what I’d be, I didn’t know….”
Chapter 23
The narrator puts on a pair of sunglasses and is immediately called, “Rinehart.”
Who is Rinehart? This one identity is actually more than just one.
Does the narrator want to be Rinehart or not?
And what about the worship service—anything interesting about that?
Hambro tells the narrator that some people must be sacrificed. The narrator replies, “Everywhere I’ve turned somebody has wanted to sacrifice me for my good...,”and later, “I was both. Both sacrificer and victim.” I told you—it’s not simple!
And one page later he says that he is agreeing “without agreeing.” Shades of the grandfather. And he admits that he is invisible. Is it at this point that he first decides to celebrate his invisibility?
Chapter 24
It seems a bit ironic (maybe?) that the people the narrator starts “yessing” are not the nameless, evil, white policy makers, but rather people who ostensibly are trying to make good social changes. (Maybe Norton fits this category as well).
How does the narrator “yes” the Brothers?
Discuss the scene involving Sybil. There’s a lot there to talk about. And I think it’s OK to say there’s some amount of humor in that scene, too. Talk.
Chapter 25
What’s happening in this chapter? What’s the cause of it, do you think?
How guilty is the narrator?
Discuss the narrator’s identity/[in]visibility during the riot.
Where does the narrator end up at the end? Any significance to that?
What is significant about using his papers for fire?
Epilogue
A lot of deep stuff here. He wraps up, but of course, it’s not that simple.
Also consider his meeting with Norton. What are we to make of it?
Overall:
Well…? What do you say? Are the critics’ comments on the cover accurate? What would you say if asked to put a comment on the cover? ET CETERA.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Invisible Man Ch 17-19
Invisible Man
Chapter 17
The narrator gets a new job as Harlem spokesman. He is told: “You will have freedom of action—and you will be under strict discipline to the committee.” Does that seem paradoxical?
Here we are introduced to Ras the Exhorter—said to be a black nationalist. Is Ras on the Brotherhood’s side or not?
Who is Garvey?
No sooner had the Brothers said they were going to use no violence, than a dangerous fight breaks out involving Ras. Here Ras makes a speech that outlines his philosophy. Discuss the difference between the philosophies of Ras and of the Brotherhood.
Ras says he is “no black traitor to the black people for the white people.” Does that remind you of anything else from earlier in the book?
The narrator says (p. 379) “I am what they think I am….” On p. 380 he says “there were two of me….” Identity issues again!
Chapter 18
The letter at the beginning is kind of shocking (yes?). We have seen “friendly advice” before in the book (grandfather, the vet, Emerson, Jack). Discuss. Does this piece of advice parallel any of the others? Who do you think would send this letter and why?
Surely there’s some symbolism involved in the gift (the link of chain) Tarp gives to the narrator. Talk about this symbol. Notice:
-It is a broken (filed) link
-It reminds the narrator of something in Bledsoe’s office.
-Tarp himself seems to remind the narrator of his grandfather.
-Brother Wrestrum attributes a different meaning to it (or at least a different connotation).
Wrestrum also points out that the Brotherhood may not as pure as it seems. Is he just suspicious? Or do you think he’s right?
Wrestrum also seems a bit contradictory when he advocates pure, blind brotherhood, but also is suspicious of the whites and wants flags and banners “Specially for us black brothers.” Discuss this last point.
When Wrestrum accuses the narrator, is he motivated by the same things as Bledsoe was? Ras? Is his motivation different?
Chapter 19
Here the narrator is seduced by one of his female listeners; ironically, he is now dealing with the “Woman question,” and this woman seems quite uninhibited.
On pages 419-420 the narrator discusses a sense of expectancy: “[they] seemed to expect some unnamed something whenever I appeared…. and it nothing to do with anything I might say.” So he’s a master of words, but it’s not always his words that people are attracted to or repulsed by. (For example, the woman with the red robe). Comment.
Chapter 17
The narrator gets a new job as Harlem spokesman. He is told: “You will have freedom of action—and you will be under strict discipline to the committee.” Does that seem paradoxical?
Here we are introduced to Ras the Exhorter—said to be a black nationalist. Is Ras on the Brotherhood’s side or not?
Who is Garvey?
No sooner had the Brothers said they were going to use no violence, than a dangerous fight breaks out involving Ras. Here Ras makes a speech that outlines his philosophy. Discuss the difference between the philosophies of Ras and of the Brotherhood.
Ras says he is “no black traitor to the black people for the white people.” Does that remind you of anything else from earlier in the book?
The narrator says (p. 379) “I am what they think I am….” On p. 380 he says “there were two of me….” Identity issues again!
Chapter 18
The letter at the beginning is kind of shocking (yes?). We have seen “friendly advice” before in the book (grandfather, the vet, Emerson, Jack). Discuss. Does this piece of advice parallel any of the others? Who do you think would send this letter and why?
Surely there’s some symbolism involved in the gift (the link of chain) Tarp gives to the narrator. Talk about this symbol. Notice:
-It is a broken (filed) link
-It reminds the narrator of something in Bledsoe’s office.
-Tarp himself seems to remind the narrator of his grandfather.
-Brother Wrestrum attributes a different meaning to it (or at least a different connotation).
Wrestrum also points out that the Brotherhood may not as pure as it seems. Is he just suspicious? Or do you think he’s right?
Wrestrum also seems a bit contradictory when he advocates pure, blind brotherhood, but also is suspicious of the whites and wants flags and banners “Specially for us black brothers.” Discuss this last point.
When Wrestrum accuses the narrator, is he motivated by the same things as Bledsoe was? Ras? Is his motivation different?
Chapter 19
Here the narrator is seduced by one of his female listeners; ironically, he is now dealing with the “Woman question,” and this woman seems quite uninhibited.
On pages 419-420 the narrator discusses a sense of expectancy: “[they] seemed to expect some unnamed something whenever I appeared…. and it nothing to do with anything I might say.” So he’s a master of words, but it’s not always his words that people are attracted to or repulsed by. (For example, the woman with the red robe). Comment.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Invisible Man Chapters 14-16
Invisible Man
Chapter 14
In this chapter the narrator first meets with the Brotherhood at the Chthonian Hotel. He is somewhat surprised, or maybe it’s just that he doesn’t know what to expect. At one point he says, “It was as though they hadn’t seen me.”
Why do they call each other “Brother”?
How do the Brotherhood convince the narrator to work for them? (Who’s keeping whom running here?)
Once again he is given a new name. Discuss.
This chapter has some foreshadowing that hints at a less-than-perfect match between the narrator and the Brotherhood….
Chapter 15
Perhaps the most important thing about this chapter is the image/symbol of the cast-iron Negro bank. Think about its significance, and notice these things, too:
-it is owned by Mary
-he has a hard time getting rid of it (even mentioning that the cops might be called)
-he does finally manage to put it somewhere (where?)
At one point, a lady tells the narrator, “I’m sick and tired of having you southern Negroes mess up things for the rest of us” (p.328). A little while later a man calls him a New York Negro (p. 330). Comment on this distinction. Notice that, as we have said, the race issue is quite a bit more complicated than black-vs-white. Is the narrator more a southern Negro or a New York Negro?
Chapter 16
Here the narrator makes his first professional speech for the Brotherhood. Notice the following interesting things (p. 334):
-the speech is given at a boxing ring (the site of a “crooked fight”)
-the boxer in the photo was “beaten blind”
-when the narrator begins to speak he is blinded by the spotlight
-his speech mentions blindness
Note also that the narrator tells us “I was becoming someone else.”
He gives what would seem to be a very successful speech. But many of the Brotherhood are not happy with it. Why not? Respond....
Chapter 14
In this chapter the narrator first meets with the Brotherhood at the Chthonian Hotel. He is somewhat surprised, or maybe it’s just that he doesn’t know what to expect. At one point he says, “It was as though they hadn’t seen me.”
Why do they call each other “Brother”?
How do the Brotherhood convince the narrator to work for them? (Who’s keeping whom running here?)
Once again he is given a new name. Discuss.
This chapter has some foreshadowing that hints at a less-than-perfect match between the narrator and the Brotherhood….
Chapter 15
Perhaps the most important thing about this chapter is the image/symbol of the cast-iron Negro bank. Think about its significance, and notice these things, too:
-it is owned by Mary
-he has a hard time getting rid of it (even mentioning that the cops might be called)
-he does finally manage to put it somewhere (where?)
At one point, a lady tells the narrator, “I’m sick and tired of having you southern Negroes mess up things for the rest of us” (p.328). A little while later a man calls him a New York Negro (p. 330). Comment on this distinction. Notice that, as we have said, the race issue is quite a bit more complicated than black-vs-white. Is the narrator more a southern Negro or a New York Negro?
Chapter 16
Here the narrator makes his first professional speech for the Brotherhood. Notice the following interesting things (p. 334):
-the speech is given at a boxing ring (the site of a “crooked fight”)
-the boxer in the photo was “beaten blind”
-when the narrator begins to speak he is blinded by the spotlight
-his speech mentions blindness
Note also that the narrator tells us “I was becoming someone else.”
He gives what would seem to be a very successful speech. But many of the Brotherhood are not happy with it. Why not? Respond....
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Inv Man Ch 10-13
Chapter 10
In the second part of Chapter 10, what is the irony of his being hired?
There’s obviously a lot of color imagery, especially white/black imagery in the paint factory section. Explain/Discuss.
Besides race, what other statements is Ellison making about business people? For example, there seems to be a lot of suspicion on the part of lots of people. Explain.
Still we do not know the narrator’s name. This obviously would seem to go along with his being invisible.
Chapter 11
In this hospital scene there are many other instances of identity questions, with a great deal of his identity being determined by other people. Respond….
This chapter has a lot of rhyming and songs. What’s that all about?
By the chapter’s end, the character has received a whole new identity and new beginning. Is this a type of baptism?
Chapter 12
On page 255, Mary warns the narrator, “Don’t git corrupted.” Corrupted by what? What is she warning against? I mean, he’s not exactly in a position of power from which he could fall very far….
What are your thoughts about the narrator’s prospects at the end of Chapter 12?
Chapter 13
The man selling yams could be seen as yet another reference to the narrator’s being an outsider.
What is the narrator’s talent? How do you feel about his [re]discovering this talent?
What is so effective about the narrator’s speech (the one he gives when the old couple is being evicted)?
At the end of this chapter, has the narrator found his place?
Who’s winning? Who’s keeping whom running?
In the second part of Chapter 10, what is the irony of his being hired?
There’s obviously a lot of color imagery, especially white/black imagery in the paint factory section. Explain/Discuss.
Besides race, what other statements is Ellison making about business people? For example, there seems to be a lot of suspicion on the part of lots of people. Explain.
Still we do not know the narrator’s name. This obviously would seem to go along with his being invisible.
Chapter 11
In this hospital scene there are many other instances of identity questions, with a great deal of his identity being determined by other people. Respond….
This chapter has a lot of rhyming and songs. What’s that all about?
By the chapter’s end, the character has received a whole new identity and new beginning. Is this a type of baptism?
Chapter 12
On page 255, Mary warns the narrator, “Don’t git corrupted.” Corrupted by what? What is she warning against? I mean, he’s not exactly in a position of power from which he could fall very far….
What are your thoughts about the narrator’s prospects at the end of Chapter 12?
Chapter 13
The man selling yams could be seen as yet another reference to the narrator’s being an outsider.
What is the narrator’s talent? How do you feel about his [re]discovering this talent?
What is so effective about the narrator’s speech (the one he gives when the old couple is being evicted)?
At the end of this chapter, has the narrator found his place?
Who’s winning? Who’s keeping whom running?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Invisible Man Ch 7-9
Chapter 7
What do you make of the vet’s advice to the narrator?
Do you feel hopeful about the narrator or not?
Chapter 8
Is anything different for the narrator in New York?
On page 170, the narrator says he dreamed of his grandfather again. What would that foreshadow or imply?
Chapter 9
In this chapter the narrator has an interview with a Mr. Emerson.
What is your opinion of Emerson? What motivates him?
Has your opinion changed about any other characters?
What does Beldsoe’s letter remind you of? (It’s a neat resurrection of an earlier image….)
Is the narrator’s vengefulness justified?
What do you make of the vet’s advice to the narrator?
Do you feel hopeful about the narrator or not?
Chapter 8
Is anything different for the narrator in New York?
On page 170, the narrator says he dreamed of his grandfather again. What would that foreshadow or imply?
Chapter 9
In this chapter the narrator has an interview with a Mr. Emerson.
What is your opinion of Emerson? What motivates him?
Has your opinion changed about any other characters?
What does Beldsoe’s letter remind you of? (It’s a neat resurrection of an earlier image….)
Is the narrator’s vengefulness justified?
Invisible Man Ch 4-6
Chapter 4
Note how many different people the narrator has offended or does not fit in with. In what directions is he pulled?
Chapter 5
The chapel service is an important event. He says he had to attend chapel before meeting with Bledsoe. Think about this, either before or after reading: what do you suppose is represented by the chapel service as a whole? What elements of the service support your assumption?
Point out images, stylistic techniques, and themes contained in Homer Barbee’s sermon.
Does [any aspect of] Homer Barbee represent anything?
Chapter 6
Here the narrator meets with Dr. Bledsoe.
Does anything about Bledsoe surprise you? Confuse you? How has your opinion of him changed, if at all?
Why is Bledsoe doing what he’s doing to (or for) the narrator?
Note how many different people the narrator has offended or does not fit in with. In what directions is he pulled?
Chapter 5
The chapel service is an important event. He says he had to attend chapel before meeting with Bledsoe. Think about this, either before or after reading: what do you suppose is represented by the chapel service as a whole? What elements of the service support your assumption?
Point out images, stylistic techniques, and themes contained in Homer Barbee’s sermon.
Does [any aspect of] Homer Barbee represent anything?
Chapter 6
Here the narrator meets with Dr. Bledsoe.
Does anything about Bledsoe surprise you? Confuse you? How has your opinion of him changed, if at all?
Why is Bledsoe doing what he’s doing to (or for) the narrator?
Invisible Man Ch 1-3
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Prologue
Why is the narrator “invisible”?
Why does he steal the electricity for his lightbulbs?
The narrator foreshadows situations and characters that will emerge later in the book. Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything.
What is interesting about the style in the prologue? Sure, it’s kind of confusing; but why is it written the way it is?
Chapter 1
Notice images of prey/predator, true/false, nimals
There are several layers to images in Ellison’s novel. The smoker is not only a smoker but a defining event in the narrator’s life and also a metaphor for the whole country; yet it also is a positive force for the narrator because he gains an actual prize and also a new perspective and a step towards understanding his grandfather’s words.
Chapter 2
Who is Norton? What/whom does he represent? Is he right or wrong? Do you like him or not? Do you trust him? Why does the narrator react to Norton the way he does?
Who is Trueblood (and why that name)? What does he represent? Why is Norton so fascinated by his story?
Trueblood tells of a dream; this makes three dreams so far in the novel, right? Is there any continuity or parallel aspect to the three dreams?
What do you think will happen? Will this incident be forgotten?
Chapter 3
For all the chaos and discomfort the narrator feels, there is some humor in this chapter. Yes?
What’s the connection between the customers at the Golden Day and Supercargo? (OR: Who are these customers that act so strange?)
The vet’s discussion with Mr. Norton is very interesting. In what way/s is the vet an example of the grandfather’s words?
Notice the vet’s words on P. 94-95. What’s so interesting about that section?
Prologue
Why is the narrator “invisible”?
Why does he steal the electricity for his lightbulbs?
The narrator foreshadows situations and characters that will emerge later in the book. Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything.
What is interesting about the style in the prologue? Sure, it’s kind of confusing; but why is it written the way it is?
Chapter 1
Notice images of prey/predator, true/false, nimals
There are several layers to images in Ellison’s novel. The smoker is not only a smoker but a defining event in the narrator’s life and also a metaphor for the whole country; yet it also is a positive force for the narrator because he gains an actual prize and also a new perspective and a step towards understanding his grandfather’s words.
Chapter 2
Who is Norton? What/whom does he represent? Is he right or wrong? Do you like him or not? Do you trust him? Why does the narrator react to Norton the way he does?
Who is Trueblood (and why that name)? What does he represent? Why is Norton so fascinated by his story?
Trueblood tells of a dream; this makes three dreams so far in the novel, right? Is there any continuity or parallel aspect to the three dreams?
What do you think will happen? Will this incident be forgotten?
Chapter 3
For all the chaos and discomfort the narrator feels, there is some humor in this chapter. Yes?
What’s the connection between the customers at the Golden Day and Supercargo? (OR: Who are these customers that act so strange?)
The vet’s discussion with Mr. Norton is very interesting. In what way/s is the vet an example of the grandfather’s words?
Notice the vet’s words on P. 94-95. What’s so interesting about that section?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)