Sunday, April 10, 2016
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!
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ReplyDeleteI think that the narrator joining the group is done out of pride more or less. He likes speaking in public and provoking people so the Brotherhood gives him a good platform to do this. That being said, I don't think that his motives are completely self-centered. I think that the accident creates a new narrator who is no longer fearful of those in power. The narrator believes that the Brotherhood fights against the people that have treated him unfairly so he wants to join and help others who are also affected. As far as the move goes, I think that the narrator will tolerate it for awhile so that he can stay in the group. I can't see him working with the women for a long time though so I'm guessing another change will lead him away from them. Good thoughts as always Hannah!
ReplyDeleteGreat "interpreter of the people" quote--what connections do you see in chapter 22 when the narrator tries to explain to the B. leadership what the "people" want after Clifton's death, but they tell him to just follow orders? What connections now are there to your questions about who the narrator's standing up for? (or if he is at all?)
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