Narrator's Transformation in Invisible Man

Questions and Answers

What happens once the narrator is released from the hospital?

A woman finds him after he faints and cares for him, her name is Mary Rambo.

How does the narrator describe the men in the house when he returns?

He has contempt for them; they represent a world he left.

What does dumping the spitoon represent?

Rejecting Bledsoe's philosophy.

Why is he upset about his old urge to make speeches during his inner turmoil in chapter 12?

He was supposed to be fixed by a number of things. Signup and view all the answers

What attracts the narrator to the yams?

His heritage; here he embraces it. Signup and view all the answers

What concept does the narrator laugh at?

Many blacks (including himself) have been so concerned about defying stereotypes that they deny themselves some of the things they most enjoy. Signup and view all the answers

Who is being evicted, and why does it affect the narrator so much?

It reminds him of his past—his mother, home, etc. Signup and view all the answers

What seems to be the narrator's message to the crowd?

On the surface, it is not to break the law or fight back; it implies breaking through stereotypes. Signup and view all the answers

What two groups are we introduced to in chapter 13?

West Indians (Ras's people) and Brotherhood (Jack's people). Signup and view all the answers

What do Jack's views parallel?

Communist views. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the narrator take the job? Who does he call?

He owes Mary and Jack about the Brotherhood. Signup and view all the answers

What foreshadowing occurs in chapter 14?

Driving by the dangerous animals at the zoo hidden in snow indicates the deceit of the Brotherhood. Signup and view all the answers

What does the party of white people remind him of?

The white benefactors. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three Communist themes?

Forget the things he learned in college, work hard and follow instructions, distance self from past and identity. Signup and view all the answers

How is the rattling pipes breaking the ban foreshadowing?

There's negativity and tension. Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrator try to get rid of the bank?

In the garbage can where a yellow woman yells at him and on a street corner where a man returns it to him. Signup and view all the answers

What is the narrator symbolically trying to get rid of?

His identity that he no longer wants, a southerner and a northerner. Signup and view all the answers

How is the narrator bought and by whom?

Expensive clothes and a nice apartment, Brotherhood. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Narrator's Release and Care

After being released from the hospital, the narrator is found by Mary Rambo, who takes care of him after his fainting episode.

Shift in Philosophy

The narrator feels contempt for the men in the house upon his return, indicating a significant philosophical transformation and distancing from his past.

Rejection of Philosophy

The act of dumping the spitoon symbolizes the narrator's rejection of Bledsoe's philosophy.

Inner Turmoil and Identity

During his internal conflict in Chapter 12, the narrator grapples with his past desire to make speeches, feeling he has let down those who hoped he would change.

Connection to Heritage

The narrator's attraction to yams signifies an embrace of his Southern heritage, contrasting his previous rejection of cultural connections.

Denial of Identity

The narrator reflects on how many black individuals, himself included, have struggled to accept cultural staples like spirituals and soul food due to societal stereotypes.

Impact of Eviction

The eviction of a character resonates deeply with the narrator, triggering memories of his own past, particularly of his mother and home.

Message to the Crowd

The narrator's speech to the crowd superficially advises against breaking the law; however, it highlights the dispossession faced by hard-working individuals, hinting at deeper societal issues.

Introduction of New Groups

Chapter 13 introduces two prominent groups: the West Indians (Ras's people) and the Brotherhood (Jack's people).

Parallel to Communism

Jack's ideology aligns closely with Communist principles, emphasizing collectivism.

Reasons for Employment

The narrator's decision to join the Brotherhood stems from a sense of obligation to Mary and Jack, reflecting his connections and indebtedness.

Foreshadowing

Chapter 14 includes foreshadowing imagery, such as driving past dangerous animals hidden in snow, symbolizing the deceit associated with the Brotherhood.

Reminders of Benefactors

The presence of a group of white people evokes memories for the narrator of the white benefactors from his past.

Themes of Communism

Significant Communist themes present in the narrative include the abandonment of past learning, emphasis on hard work and obedience, and the distancing from personal identity.

Symbolism of Rattling Pipes

The rattling pipes breaking the ban signify underlying negativity and tension within the protagonist's surroundings.

Discarding Identity

The narrator attempts to dispose of his unwanted identity, symbolically reflecting struggles with his Southern and Northern backgrounds.

Material Influence

The narrator is materially bought by the Brotherhood, receiving luxurious clothing and a nice apartment, highlighting the manipulation of identity and association.

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Description

This quiz explores the narrator's journey and philosophical shifts as depicted in Chapter 12 of 'Invisible Man'. Key themes include his rejection of Bledsoe's ideals, inner identity struggles, and connection to his Southern heritage. Engage with important concepts that shape the narrator's identity and cultural acceptance.