Invisible Man Post #1

                Race relations play a major role in the first chapter.  The grandfather’s statement about how the younger generations should “overcome ‘em with yeses, undermine ‘em with grins, agree ‘em to death and destruction, let ‘em swoller you till they vomit or bust wide open” and how he is a traitor for doing so. (p. 16) He also speaks about “his meekness as a dangerous activity.” (p. 16) The grandfather tells the narrator to stand up for the rights of the race because of his experience and he knows submitting to whites will not progress their cause.  The narrator does not understand his grandfather’s statements and does exactly what he warns against.

                The narrator’s speech consists mainly of statements that contradicted his grandfather’s implicit ideas.  This is evident particularly when it comes to the battle royal.  The narrator does not speak up even though he disagrees with what these people are doing.  This scene especially shows the unfair treatment of blacks and the terrible race relations.  The black men are treated as inferior, tricked, and abused during the battle royal.  The narrator went along with this horrible treatment.  During his speech, he accidentally says social equality but does not defend his words when the men want to make sure he “[knows his] place at all times.” (p. 31)  The narrator is given a scholarship for a Negro college because they want him to continue to share his ideas about being compliant to the white race.  This first chapter sets up the book to show the race relations and show the views of the main character.  It also paints a picture of how unfair it is and how some people are unwilling to fight because of fear.