Invisible Man Chapters 7-13 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What happens in Chapter 7 when the narrator leaves the South?

He encounters a veteran on the bus who disturbs him, experiences the differences in New York, and meets black police and gatherings.

What does the veteran advise the narrator in Chapter 7?

He tells the narrator to learn to see under the surface of things and to hide himself from white people.

What does the narrator feel when he first arrives in New York, according to Chapter 8?

He feels homesick and anxious about delivering his letters.

What does the narrator discover about the letters he delivers in Chapter 9?

He learns from Emerson's son that Bledsoe has told the addressees about his permanent expulsion. Signup and view all the answers

In Chapter 10, what leads to the conflict between the narrator and Brockway?

Brockway becomes furious when he learns about the union meeting and they end up fighting. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the narrator in Chapter 11 while he is in the hospital?

He undergoes some form of experimentation and does not remember his name. Signup and view all the answers

Who helps the narrator when he faints in Chapter 12?

Mary Rambo, a kind black woman, helps him and takes him to her house. Signup and view all the answers

What nostalgic memory does the narrator have in Chapter 13?

He experiences nostalgia when he encounters a street vendor selling baked yams. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator do when he witnesses an eviction in Chapter 13?

He gives a speech that incites the crowd to resist the eviction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the veteran's role in the narrator's journey in Chapter 7?

The veteran serves as a reminder of the narrator's past experiences and the complexities of race and identity. Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrator feel about Bledsoe's letter according to the definition provided?

He feels deceived and realizes that the letter is filled with false hope. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mary symbolize in the narrator's life?

Mary represents love, comfort, and the potential for change within the black community. Signup and view all the answers

What do the yams mean to the narrator?

They make him feel homesick and symbolize the connection between his past and present. Signup and view all the answers

What does the incident with the evicted African-American family evoke in the narrator?

It provokes a deep emotional response and a desire to stand up for them. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter Summaries and Key Points

Chapter 7: The Narrator boards a bus to Harlem, meeting a veteran who reflects on authority and advises him to be cautious. The Narrator feels out of place in New York, observes black police directing traffic, and becomes aware of racial tensions during Ras's speech in Harlem.
Chapter 8: The Narrator delivers letters of recommendation but faces continued rejection and begins doubting Bledsoe's intentions. Homesickness and anxiety about his future loom large, emphasizing his discomfort in the North.
Chapter 9: The Narrator's walk through Harlem triggers reflections on identity and belonging. After facing stereotypes at a deli, he discovers that Bledsoe's letters guarantee his expulsion and feels a growing anger towards Bledsoe, envisioning revenge.
Chapter 10: At Liberty Paints, the Narrator interacts with Brockway, who is distrustful of him. A fight breaks out between them, leading to chaos and an explosion after Brockway's anger over union activity.
Chapter 11: In a hospital, the Narrator regains consciousness but has fragmented memories and is subjected to experimental procedures. He is confused about his identity and feels a disconnect from himself during the invasive treatments.
Chapter 12: The Narrator faints in the street and is cared for by Mary, a kind woman who offers him a potential home. He experiences a mix of longing for his Southern roots and frustration with the ideals of racial uplift.
Chapter 13: Nostalgia strikes as he relishes yams on the street. He witnesses an eviction, feels compelled to speak out, and inspires a small act of resistance before encountering Brother Jack, who attempts to recruit him for a political cause.

Key Characters

The Veteran: A reminder of the oppressive racial dynamics; advises the Narrator to critically evaluate his surroundings and the influence of white authority.
Mr. Emerson's Son: A nervous character who, despite his awkwardness, provides the Narrator with harsh truths about his situation and offers a job.
Lucius Brockway: The antagonist at Liberty Paints; embodies distrust of the Narrator and represents the struggles within the factory’s exploitative labor model.
Mary: A nurturing figure in the Narrator's life, she symbolizes survival and community support amid urban corruption.
Brother Jack: A white man who seeks to recruit the Narrator; represents the complicity of white allies in tokenizing black activism.

Themes and Symbols

Yams: Represent the Narrator's connection to his Southern heritage and evoke feelings of home and belonging.
Cabbage: Symbolizes Mary's financial struggles and the Narrator’s debt to her kindness, reinforcing his sense of responsibility within the community.
Eviction Incident: Reflects systemic injustice and the Narrator’s internal conflict regarding his identity and role in advancing racial equity.

Contextual Notes

Harlem vs. The South: The stark differences between life in Harlem and the South impact the Narrator, highlighting themes of displacement and identity crisis.
Racial Tension and Authority: The Narrator’s experiences reflect broader societal issues, including the complexities of race, class, and the struggle for self-definition in a racially divided America.

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Description

Test your understanding of Chapters 7 to 13 of Ralph Ellison's 'Invisible Man.' This quiz uses flashcards to summarize key events, themes, and character developments, helping you grasp the complexities of the narrative as the narrator transitions to Harlem.