Invisible Man Group

Question:

retta
retta
Student
College - Junior

What is the main idea/theme of "Invisible Man" by Ellison?

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Posted by retta on Tuesday January 20, 2009 at 6:25 PM and tagged with invisible man, themes.

Answers:


  1. kwoo1213 Teacher
    College - Freshman

    eNotes Editor

    This is a very difficult question because there are many themes.  However, all of them are related to one prominent theme:  identity and individuality...finding oneself and learning who one is through self-discovery and through the experiences one goes through in life.  The narrator does not have an identity at the beginning and through the horrific and trying experiences he goes through, he learns more and more about who he really is and he becomes "visible" instead of "invisible":

    The invisible man's moment of self-recognition occurs almost simultaneously with his realization that the white world does not see him, but Ellison seems to be saying, ‘‘Well, don't worry about that.’’ Until the invisible man can see himself, he can only be passive, ‘‘outside of history.’’ (eNotes)
    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/invisible-man/themes

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    Posted by kwoo1213 on Wednesday January 21, 2009 at 12:47 PM