Questions and Answers
At the start of the novel, where is the narrator living?
In a basement
After the narrator's altercation with the blond man, he is surprised to see the incident described in the paper as ___.
A mugging
How many lightbulbs has the narrator used to line the walls of his home?
1,369
What jazz artist does the narrator constantly listen to on his phonograph?
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What does the narrator say he stopped doing because it diminished his ability to take action?
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Who advised the narrator's father that the way to deal with whites is to 'agree 'em to death and destruction'?
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During the battle royal, what do the participants have to do while blindfolded?
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At the battle royal, what does the naked white woman have painted on her stomach?
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After the battle royal, the narrator gives a speech, in which he quotes large sections of an address by ___.
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After the battle royal, what is in the calfskin briefcase that the narrator receives?
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While at school, the narrator is fascinated by a cold-eyed bronze statue of ___.
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In what year of his schooling does the narrator take a job driving Mr. Norton?
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After meeting Jim Trueblood and hearing his story, what does Mr. Norton do?
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What is the Golden Day?
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The group of mentally disturbed people that the narrator and Norton encounter at the tavern are ___.
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Who is Dr. Bledsoe?
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What is the Reverend Barbee's first name?
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In the story told by Reverend Barbee, the college's founder nearly died after a cousin ___.
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What does the college president pick up while threatening to discipline the narrator?
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How many sealed letters of recommendation does the narrator retrieve before leaving school for New York?
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Study Notes
Setting and Character Introduction
- The narrator lives in a basement, highlighting themes of isolation and invisibility.
- A confrontation with a blond man is misrepresented in the newspaper as a mugging, illustrating societal perceptions and misinterpretations.
Decorative and Symbolic Elements
- The narrator uses 1,369 lightbulbs to illuminate his home, symbolizing a desperate need for light in his shadowed existence.
- Constantly listening to Louis Armstrong connects the narrator to the cultural roots of jazz and its expression of identity.
Personal Choices and Philosophical Influences
- The narrator stops smoking marijuana, recognizing it hampers his ability to act, reflecting themes of clarity and purpose.
- The narrator's grandfather advised his father on dealing with whites through the strategy of "agree 'em to death and destruction," showcasing generational perspectives on racial interactions.
Social Dynamics and Events
- In a blindfolded battle royal, participants are forced to fight each other, representing the brutal competition among marginalized individuals.
- The naked white woman at the battle royal has the American Flag painted on her stomach, critiquing the intersection of race, sexuality, and nationalism.
Educational Aspirations
- After the battle royal, the narrator delivers a speech quoting Booker T. Washington, signifying his attempt to navigate societal expectations and aspirations.
- He receives a calfskin briefcase containing a college scholarship, an emblem of opportunity mixed with irony.
Reflections on Education and Identity
- The narrator admires a cold-eyed bronze statue of the college’s founder, symbolizing the complex legacy of educators and leaders within the African American community.
- He takes a job driving Mr. Norton during his junior year, introducing critical relationships and power dynamics within the narrative.
Interactions with Other Characters
- Upon meeting Jim Trueblood, Mr. Norton exhibits a paternalistic response by giving him money, highlighting themes of guilt and responsibility among the privileged.
- The Golden Day is described as a tavern and brothel, emphasizing the social underbelly where various characters converge.
Encounter with Disturbed Individuals
- A group of mentally disturbed war veterans encountered at the tavern reflects the toll of conflict and societal neglect of veterans.
- Dr. Bledsoe, the college president, represents institutional authority and the complexities within African American leadership.
Narrative Threads and Symbolism
- Reverend Barbee's first name is Homer, adding a layer of literary allusion to the narrative's teachings.
- The story of the college's founder nearly dying from lye highlights the struggles faced in pursuit of progress and the dangers inherent in their journey.
Confrontational Authority
- Dr. Bledsoe threatens the narrator with a leg shackle, illustrating power dynamics and the physical constraints of the societal system.
- The narrator retrieves seven sealed letters of recommendation before departing for New York, representing hope and the critical connection to his education and future.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the key concepts and events from Chapter 6 of 'Invisible Man'. This set of flashcards covers essential details about the narrator's living situation, altercations, and personal reflections. Ideal for students looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
