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| Similar to the narrator thinking that Bledsoe is able to obtain him ajob and him earning money in New York will be simple. Mullee |
Naivety is a trait the narrator possesses. It is shown when he believes Dr. Bledsoe supported him in finding a job in New York to “earn [his] next year’s fees”. (145) Also, trusting the letters, written by Bledsoe, contained information to “see that [he] get work.” (145) A wave of apprehension, from the audience, appears when Dr. Bledsoe takes Mr. Norton’s side and is so adamant to punish the narrator. It is quite suspicious that Dr. Bledsoe is taking a white man’s side and not a man of the same skin color. The second red flag is Dr. Bledsoe insisting that, “it isn’t necessary for [the narrator] to open them.” (149) “Them” as in the letters and why shouldn’t the narrator be able to open the letters? Those letters concern him because they are aiding him in acquiring a job. The narrator is entitled to open the letters because he should be able to make sure the letters make him seem credible enough for an occupation. The narrator seems to only want to see the best of people and not the corruptness. Dr. Bledsoe’s actions characterize him as someone to do anything to be on top and in charge. It doesn’t matter if it means that he stomps on one of his own (the narrator) to rise above. The narrator is easily convinced that Dr. Bledsoe is looking after him and wanting the narrator to come back to the college. More evidence of the narrator’s naivety is when he tells Mr. Emerson that he would, “really like to become Dr. Bledsoe’s assistant.” (184) The narrator has faith that Bledsoe is sending him somewhere that will earn him money to return and pay for his educational fees and to continue his educational career.
I think your description of Dr. Blesdoe is a perfect way of depicting his character. He is selfish and only looks out for himself, but does it in a way that makes people believe that he is trying to help them. This reminds me much of the character Iago in the Shakespeare play "Othello". His facade as a helpful friend tricks people into trusting him, while he truly means to deceive them. I wonder if the narrator of Invisible Man will continue to be so naive to the point that it affects his life. From what I have read, the narrator grows from the situation he is in and becomes far more suspicious of everyone. But, he seems to retain a naivety that I have not yet found out its effect on the narrator. Nice reflection post! It really made me analyze the characters more deeply.
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