Invisible Man Ch. 18-22 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does Brother Tarp give the narrator in Ch. 18?

A piece of the chain he once wore

Why was Brother Tarp on a chain gang?

Because he had dared to say the word no

Why is Brother Westrum opposed to the piece of chain on the narrator's desk?

Because it shows difference instead of unity

What does Westrum use as evidence that the narrator is only trying to promote himself?

The article in the magazine that resulted from a personal interview with the narrator Signup and view all the answers

What decision does the narrator accept for the time period that will be needed to clear charges against him?

He agrees to speak on the Woman Question Signup and view all the answers

Why does the narrator go to the white woman's apartment in Ch. 19?

To discuss ideologies Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator discover when he gets to the woman's apartment?

Her husband is away Signup and view all the answers

When the woman says the narrator's voice is 'primitive,' what does she actually intend with the statement?

Seductive Signup and view all the answers

What makes the narrator think that his night with the white woman was a trap?

He dimly remembers the appearance of another man Signup and view all the answers

Upon the narrator's return to Harlem, who has disappeared from the Brotherhood?

Brother Clifton Signup and view all the answers

Of what do the men in the bar in Ch. 20 accuse the narrator?

Of getting white fever Signup and view all the answers

What surprising development does the narrator experience when he attends a committee meeting?

He is refused admission Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator spontaneously decide to buy?

A pair of new shoes Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrator react to the dolls that are being sold by Clifton?

As a racial slur Signup and view all the answers

What truth about the Brotherhood does the narrator realize in Ch. 20?

That very little has been accomplished Signup and view all the answers

The narrator wants Clifton's funeral to focus on what?

The meaning of his life Signup and view all the answers

Why does the narrator consider his funeral speech a failure?

He hadn't been able to talk about political issues Signup and view all the answers

Why is the narrator unable to say much about Clifton?

He really doesn't know him Signup and view all the answers

What realization does the narrator have in Ch. 21?

That the members of the crowd are individuals Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator notice at the funeral that he would like to exploit?

The tension of the crowd Signup and view all the answers

What kind of day is it on the day of Clifton's funeral?

Hot and humid Signup and view all the answers

How does the Brotherhood regard Clifton?

As a traitor Signup and view all the answers

How does the Brotherhood regard the dolls Clifton had been selling?

As a racial slur Signup and view all the answers

What truth is revealed about the Brotherhood in Chapter 22?

That they don't care about the people Signup and view all the answers

What truth does the narrator discover about Brother Jack?

He has a glass eye Signup and view all the answers

Where does Brother Jack send the narrator at the end of the meeting?

Back to Brother Hambro for more indoctrination sessions Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrator portray himself at the end of Chapter 22?

As humbled and obedient Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters and Events

Brother Tarp gives the narrator a piece of chain, symbolizing his past struggles with oppression.
Brother Tarp was imprisoned on a chain gang for refusing to comply, highlighting the costs of resistance.
Brother Westrum opposes the chain on the narrator’s desk, arguing it represents division rather than unity within the movement.

Brotherhood Dynamics

Westrum accuses the narrator of self-promotion, referencing an article published after a personal interview.
The narrator agrees to speak on the Woman Question, indicating his temporary compliance within the Brotherhood.
The narrator believes the organization has achieved very little for the community, illustrating his growing disillusionment.

Encounters and Realizations

The narrator visits a white woman's apartment to discuss differing social ideologies, revealing layers of complexity in racial dynamics.
He finds the woman’s seduction cloaked in the term "primitive," displaying layers of attraction and manipulation in their interactions.
The narrator suspects he was set up during the encounter, hinting at distrust and an underlying threat.

Community Response

Upon returning to Harlem, the narrator learns Brother Clifton has vanished, triggering concern among the Brotherhood members.
Bar patrons accuse the narrator of "white fever," reflecting cultural apprehension and the perceived threat of assimilating into white society.

Funeral Reflections

At Clifton's funeral, the narrator aims to emphasize the significance of Clifton's life, seeking a meaningful tribute.
He feels his speech failed as he could not address crucial political issues, highlighting his internal struggle and lack of knowledge about Clifton.

Personal Growth and Awareness

The crowd's individuality strikes the narrator, leading to a pivotal realization about their personal struggles.
He recognizes the potential to harness crowd tension, indicating his growing leadership instincts.
The Brotherhood's betrayal and disregard for Clifton’s contributions reveal their prioritization of ideology over individual lives.

Brother Jack and Indoctrination

Brother Jack’s character is further revealed through his glass eye, symbolizing partial vision or insight within the organization.
The narrator is sent back to Brother Hambro for further indoctrination, reinforcing themes of control and manipulation.
By the end of Chapter 22, the narrator depicts himself as humbled and obedient, signifying shifts in his identity and belief system within the Brotherhood.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key concepts from chapters 18 to 22 of 'Invisible Man'. This quiz covers important symbols, character motivations, and thematic elements presented in these chapters. Refresh your understanding and dive deeper into the narrative with these flashcards.