Questions and Answers
What does the narrator purchase after the confrontation with Ras?
What happens when the narrator wears the sunglasses?
People think he is Rinehart
Who is Rinehart?
A figure never actually appearing in the novel, he has many identities (pimp, bookie, preacher, etc.)
Why does the narrator believe the Brotherhood will destroy itself?
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How does the narrator plan to overcome the white men of the Brotherhood?
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Who does the narrator plan to use to destroy the Brotherhood?
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Why does the narrator decide against using Emma in his plans?
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What apparent warning meets the narrator upon his return to Harlem?
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How is the narrator's preparations for the evening with Sybil ironic?
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How does the narrator's meeting with Sybil backfire?
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What is in the narrator's briefcase?
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What is happening in Harlem?
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What does Dupre want to do prior to starting the fire?
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What surprises the narrator in relation to the riot?
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What is it that people like Jack, Bledsoe, and Norton have refused to do?
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What horrifying sight does the narrator see as he flees the riot?
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What does the narrator discover about Jack?
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Why does the narrator remain in his hole for a long while?
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Through his experiences, what has the narrator learned to value?
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What had the narrator's grandfather learned to accept?
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When has the narrator made most of his mistakes?
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When is a person most invisible?
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Study Notes
Narrator's Transformation and Identity
- The narrator starts wearing dark sunglasses after a confrontation with Ras, leading others to mistake him for Rinehart.
- Rinehart is a mysterious figure with various roles, symbolizing fluid identity; his presence signifies how one can be seen differently by society based on appearance.
Brotherhood Dynamics
- The narrator predicts the Brotherhood will self-destruct due to its aimlessness and lack of true purpose.
- To maneuver within the Brotherhood's ranks, the narrator plans to feign agreement with the white members.
- He initially considers using Emma for his plans against the Brotherhood but ultimately decides against it, recognizing her intelligence and ability to uncover his intentions.
Harlem and Social Turmoil
- Upon his return to Harlem, the narrator encounters a red warning light atop a church spire, an omen of trouble.
- A riot erupts in Harlem, revealing community unrest and turmoil driven by systemic issues.
- Dupre plans to ensure the safe evacuation of a building before setting it ablaze, showcasing premeditated chaos.
Personal Awakening and Reflection
- The narrator realizes his unintentional role in igniting the riot, highlighting the complexity of his influence.
- Figures like Jack, Bledsoe, and Norton fail to acknowledge the shared American identity among people, reflecting systemic racism.
- The narrator witnesses a horrifying event during the riot, understanding it as a murder rather than merely an act of chaos.
Internal Conflict and Growth
- The narrator discovers Jack's true nature, revealing him as the author of a threatening letter, causing distrust within the Brotherhood.
- He reflects in isolation, grappling with confusion and uncertainty regarding his own motives.
- Through his journey, the narrator learns the value of diversity, recognizing the strength in different perspectives and experiences.
Legacy and Visibility
- The narrator’s grandfather had come to terms with his humanity, signifying a legacy of resilience amid oppression.
- Most of the narrator’s mistakes stemmed from his public life, indicating the pitfalls of seeking validation from an external audience.
- A crucial realization emerges: true invisibility occurs when individuals distance themselves from social responsibility, emphasizing the importance of accountability in society.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 23 and the epilogue of 'Invisible Man' with these flashcards. Explore key concepts such as the significance of the narrator's dark sunglasses and the elusive character Rinehart. This quiz will deepen your understanding of the themes and identities within the novel.
