Ellison tests Narrator’s overall fortitude of character during
the scene with Trueblood. The Invisible
Man’s identity first conflicts with his grandfather’s deathbed outburst.
“Our life is a war and I have been a traitor all my born days…”(16). Narrator’s
mentality is scrambled due to this confession. He recounts, “When I was praised
for my conduct I felt a guilt…”(17). Is he dishonoring his grandfather by being
himself? Is acting polite and scholarly disgraceful to his ancestors?
Outward
appearances are tested once more during the chauffeuring of a rich white
benefactor. Narrator’s demeanor is quite subservient and respectful. Ellison
places the grandfather and the benefactor in front of Narrator to cause
emotional disarray. The question of identity in the Invisible Man is complex and wrought with history. History that is
not only his, but his lineage. A lineage that the Invisible Man is unsure of that he belongs to. The drive offers as
a symbol of Narrator’s character thus far in the novel. He is separate. He is
involved. He is a servant. Narrator is bursting with inner turmoil. Conversely,
his character is weak when the benefactor gives a hundred dollar note to
Trueblood. The money characterizes everything Narrator aims to gain from the
benefactor. Thus, when it thrown away (in the eyes of Narrator) on some pedophile
sinner, the Invisible Man’s memory of
his grandfather disintegrates. “You no-good bastard! You get a hundred-dollar bill!” (69). At this moment, Narrator sees
Trueblood as a stereotypical black man leeching off of white society’s
sympathy. Narrator chooses to condemn Trueblood, whine about his misfortune,
and tarnish his grandfather’s deathbed speech. Ellison assembles this array of
static characters around the Invisible
Man to exemplify his vacillating character.
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| Cartoon depicting the pressure to conform from family/society |
The narrator reflects on his own identity against all of these static characters you mention: his grandfather, Mr. Norton, Jim Trueblood. It is great how you mention that the narrator's identity is "complex and wrought with history." So true. He is not only taking into account how he fits and functions within the current world, but how the past affects his identity.
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ReplyDeleteI agree that the grandfather and Mr. Norton are there, like you said, " to cause emotional disarray". The narrator has an internal conflict with the last few words his grandfather speaks. His grandfather felt that the right thing to do was fight against the whites, but the narrator thought it'd be best to appease the whites. Also, like you mentioned, the narrator is weak when Mr. Norton gives money to a guy who sinned and is known as a living, walking disgrace of the black community, instead of him. Do you think the narrator would of been better off if he took his grandfather's advice?
ReplyDeletehow did the narrator solve his internal conflict?
DeleteThis part you wrote about illustrates a very dramatic turn that this story has taken. Up to this point, the narrator displayed almost a conservative attitude that is quite the opposite of what his grandfather wanted from him. This not only goes to show that the narrator is taking a second look at where he fits in society and as Ms. Johnston stated, " how the past affects his identity."
ReplyDeleteThe entire theme of the book, of his invisibility, stems from the main character being black and thus being seen as less of a person with no real power to change how society works. So then being respectful and taking the white money, is that being a traitor? Should he fight harder like his ancestors did? Or is it truly an equal world that he just needs to mold himself into?
ReplyDeletePatrick, you pose several thoughtful questions...especially about the concept of being a "traitor" by giving up/giving in. It is hard to be seen when the world wants to look past you. It is harder to fight for your voice when no one cares what you say. But is it worse to KNOW this...and then go along with the program in spite of it?
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