Invisible Man Last Entry

Finally, we have come to the end of this ridiculously long book. Honestly, this ending seems rather frantic and brief. In chapter 23, we see the narrator accidentally taking on yet another identity of a man he doesn't even know. Having been physically attacked and threatened, the narrator tries to disguise himself with glasses and whatnot but apparently becomes the spitting image of a man known around town as Rinehart. It seems to be only sketchy people who recognize the narrator by this name, which could suggest another aspect of the narrator's mysterious personality. Following suit with this new, underhanded identity, the narrator seems to be trying to undermine the Brotherhood yet again. However, this time he seems to think his grandfather's advice of merely agreeing with everything he Brotherhood says will do more for him than outright mocking and disproving the organization. Chapter 24 is more of the narrators underhanded attempt to destroy the Brotherhood by using the forgotten wives of the group members. This plan blows up in his face when he realizes the woman he is trying to seduce has her own agenda, but luckily for the narrator he gets saved by the bell, or the phone, when the Brotherhood calls him. It's strange that the organization would call him when they have become frustrated with him so many times before. In chapter 25 we see a creepy scene of the burning building as Ras chases the narrator through the building, calling for the narrator to be hung like the mannequins for being s traitor to the black race. The narrator attempts to speech his way out of death, but only digs a deeper hole for himself. However, the narrator escapes the building only to be chased by the cops, which causes him to fall down a drain and be covered by a man hole cover. He narrator has literally hit rock bottom. The epilogue contains self reflection of the narrator, wondering how he has ended up like he is, alone, underground and miserable. Honestly, I think he did this to himself. He thought he could crated a better life for himself out of his own peer and scheming. He interprets his life events and all turning sour because of his attempts to help.

What do you think about this self reflection? Do you think the narrator's life tuned out terribly because he tried to 'help' others?

It's been great doing this assignment with you, but I'm sure glad it's over!

Invisible Man Entry #4

Alright so lots of weird stuff in this chunk of the book. In chapter 19 we have the weird scene of the narrator having an affair with a married white woman. She convinced him to come home with her, and not to just talk about women's rights. I honestly don't know how the woman's husband didn't see he narrator when he came in the roombtobaskbhisbwofe to wake him up early the next morning. The narrator is mortified and rushes away from the woman's house, telling himself he will never get into that position again. Also in chapter 19, the narrator is summoned by the brotherhood to an urgent meeting. The brotherhood has apparently lost momentum in Harlem and the brotherhood is pulling the narrator out of his job speakin about women's rights and wants him to speak and give the group popularity again. Kinda strange how hey call him when they are struggling. 

In chapters 20 and 21, the narrator witnesses the murder of a man he knew, Clifton. The man had been selling and playing with his Sambo dolls, which depicted a racist stereotype of black slaves, always willing to say yes and being manipulated by strings. The narrator becomes angry about thre dolls and crushes one of them with his foot. Shortly after, Clifton is shot by the police. Quite shaken up, he narrator returns to his apartment and is visited by some younger brotherhood members. When he receives no answer on how the brotherhood will address this, the narrator arranges for a funeral and protest to take place. This is more prevalent in chapter 22. The brotherhood becomes angry with the narrator, citing that the narrator was not asked to be a part of the brotherhood to think, just to speak. 

Do you think the narrator held the protest and made speeches because he truly cared about Clifton, or was he trying to take a stab at the brotherhood for not giving him what he wants? Can't wait to hear what you think!

Invisible Man Entry #3

Welcome back to our favorite pastime.  This was a large chunk of the book, so I am going to focus mainly on the chapters dealing with the Brotherhood and the narrator taking on a new identity.  Our narrator never seemed to identify himself with any personality or identity other than being black and oppressed.  I did not find it surprising how willingly he accepted the proposal to take on a new identity and leave behind his past life.  Of course, his injury at the factory played a role in his willingness as he apparently had difficulty remembering details of his previous life.  However, the narrator seemed unnaturally willing to wholeheartedly commit to this Brotherhood he knew so little about.  After his initial disinterest in the group, he seems to join out of selfish motives, as he is being recognized for his ability to speak publicly.  The man who persuades the narrator to join the Brotherhood says he "answered the people's appeal and [the Brotherhood wants] him to be the true interpreter of the people" (307).  Do you think the narrator joins the Brotherhood because he agrees with the views of the group, or do you think he is just being selfish?  But, our narrator cannot go too long without getting in some sort of trouble can he? He gets tricked into doing an interview for someone who is two-faced and uses the incident to attempt to get the narrator kicked out of the Brotherhood., but only succeeds in his being moved cities and becoming a spokesman for womens' rights instead of evictions.  Do you think the narrator will put up with this move for very long? Why or why not? Can't wait to hear what you have to say!