Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the narrator realize when he returns to Harlem?
What does the narrator realize when he returns to Harlem?
The community is not all for the Brotherhood and feels abandoned by them.
What happens when Clifton appears in chapter 20, and why is it strange?
What happens when Clifton appears in chapter 20, and why is it strange?
He is selling puppets which look like stereotypical black dancing boys, which is not like him to perpetuate a stereotype.
Does Clifton see the narrator? Why is this significant?
Does Clifton see the narrator? Why is this significant?
Yes, their eyes meet, and he gives the narrator a contemptuous smile.
Where does the narrator keep Clifton's doll?
Where does the narrator keep Clifton's doll?
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How does the narrator feel about Clifton's death?
How does the narrator feel about Clifton's death?
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What happens when he tries to contact the Brotherhood?
What happens when he tries to contact the Brotherhood?
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What does the narrator do in response to Clifton's death when the Brotherhood doesn't respond?
What does the narrator do in response to Clifton's death when the Brotherhood doesn't respond?
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How does the tone of the funeral speech differ from the tone we would normally expect at a funeral?
How does the tone of the funeral speech differ from the tone we would normally expect at a funeral?
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Why is the Brotherhood upset with the narrator?
Why is the Brotherhood upset with the narrator?
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What is the connection to the phrase personal responsibility?
What is the connection to the phrase personal responsibility?
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What does Jack's eye symbolize?
What does Jack's eye symbolize?
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What does Ras accuse the narrator of?
What does Ras accuse the narrator of?
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What name does Ras have in chapter 23?
What name does Ras have in chapter 23?
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What does the narrator see escaping Ras's thugs?
What does the narrator see escaping Ras's thugs?
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Who is the narrator mistaken for?
Who is the narrator mistaken for?
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What does the narrator realize about Rinehart?
What does the narrator realize about Rinehart?
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What does the narrator consider?
What does the narrator consider?
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Who does the narrator visit?
Who does the narrator visit?
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What does he realize about the Brotherhood?
What does he realize about the Brotherhood?
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Who does he pick as his inside source of info?
Who does he pick as his inside source of info?
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Why does he change his mind about Emma, and who does he pick instead?
Why does he change his mind about Emma, and who does he pick instead?
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Why does he change his mind about Sybil, and what happens?
Why does he change his mind about Sybil, and what happens?
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Who does Sybil parallel?
Who does Sybil parallel?
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What shifts the tone of the evening?
What shifts the tone of the evening?
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How are Sybil and the narrator alike?
How are Sybil and the narrator alike?
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What is his action of writing on her in lipstick out of, and what does he do next?
What is his action of writing on her in lipstick out of, and what does he do next?
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What happens after his encounter with Sybil?
What happens after his encounter with Sybil?
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What happens as he enters Harlem, and what is the significance?
What happens as he enters Harlem, and what is the significance?
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Study Notes
Community Reaction
- The narrator finds that the Harlem community feels abandoned by the Brotherhood.
- Acknowledges that loyalty to the Brotherhood is not universal among the residents.
Clifton's Alienation
- Clifton sells stereotypical puppets resembling black dancing boys, showcasing a troubling shift in his character.
- Implies deeper themes of exploitation and the objectification of black identity in society.
Significant Encounter
- The narrator briefly connects with Clifton, who gives a contemptuous smile, indicating a shared understanding of struggle.
- Clifton is arrested for selling stuffed dolls, escalates to violence when he confronts a police officer, leading to his tragic death by gunshot.
Mourning and Reflection
- The narrator keeps Clifton's doll as a symbol of lost identity, tucked in his briefcase.
- Feels compelled to act after Clifton's death but realizes the Brotherhood values collective ideology over individual lives.
Brotherhood's Response
- Attempts to contact the Brotherhood post-Clifton's death are met with silence, highlighting their emotional detachment.
- Reflects a major flaw in their ideology focusing on broader social issues rather than personal connections.
Community Engagement
- In response to the Brotherhood's apathy, the narrator organizes a community funeral for Clifton, a direct action diverging from Brotherhood principles.
- This action fosters a deeper connection between the narrator and the local community.
Tone of the Funeral Speech
- The tone is ironic and sarcastic, challenging traditional expectations of funeral speeches.
- Employs rhetorical techniques such as repetition and questioning to resonate with the audience and provoke thought.
Brotherhood's Displeasure
- The Brotherhood is upset with the narrator for honoring Clifton, viewing this as a betrayal of their collective objectives.
- Indicates tension between personal respect for individuals and broader ideological loyalty.
Personal Responsibility Concept
- Echoes earlier discussions of "social responsibility" versus "social equality," emphasizing the ongoing conflict within the Brotherhood's philosophy.
Jack's Symbolism
- Jack’s eye symbolizes wisdom gained from sacrifice and the burdens of leadership he must carry.
- Reflective of broader themes of control and oversight within the Brotherhood.
Ras's Accusations
- Ras accuses the narrator of betraying the people while aligning with the Brotherhood, showcasing the tension between different factions in the community.
Rinehart's Identity
- Rinehart represents fluid identities, highlighting the complexities of self-perception and societal expectations.
- The narrator's realization of Rinehart's contradictory nature leads to reflections on his own identity.
Embracing Fluidity
- The narrator considers the potential power and freedom in adopting multiple identities as a strategy, shaped by his experiences and observations.
Shift in Strategy
- Visits Brother Hambro, assessing the Brotherhood's expectations and evaluating his role within the organization.
- Reflects on the necessity of disguise and adaptability in navigating his invisibility.
Intelligence Gathering
- Initially selects Emma as an inside informant but later opts for Sybil, the lonely wife of a brother, showcasing a shift in approach to gain information.
Encounter with Sybil
- The encounter with Sybil reveals her ignorance of the Brotherhood's politics, emphasizing the complications of their relationship.
- An unexpected turn occurs when Sybil expresses a desire for violent intimacy, shifting their interaction’s dynamics.
Shared Marginalization
- Both Sybil and the narrator represent marginalized groups, emphasizing their shared experiences of powerlessness and manipulation.
Action and Aftermath
- Writing on Sybil with lipstick stems from feelings of pity and anger, illustrating his emotional turmoil.
- After the encounter, he receives a call from the Brotherhood to return to Harlem, signifying his ongoing entanglement with them.
Return to Harlem
- As the narrator enters Harlem, he is pooped on by birds, mirroring the statue's desecration, symbolizing the loss of dignity and the struggles within the community.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 20 of 'Invisible Man'. Explore the narrator's realizations and the implications of Clifton's unusual actions. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of this complex narrative.