Invisible Man

In Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, we understand the story from the narrator’s perspective. He addresses his own experiences and as he says in the epilogue, “hopefully sheds light on things we might not have realized, or perhaps helping us feel more connected with similar experiences.” He is unnamed because he is refusing to accept society’s constant efforts to label him. The theme of identity is shown in the prologue as the narrator isolates himself from society so he can learn to understand himself in his warm hole. As the narrator says, “I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me,” he feels invisible, as if people can physically see him, but choose not to (Prologue, 1). However, he is noticed when he gives a graduation speech portraying humbleness as the key to black men's progress in society. The speech is so admired that the narrator is asked to speak to the white town leaders. The theme of racism is shown because once he arrives at the hotel ballroom, he sees the town leaders smoking and drinking heavily. Eventually, he finds out that nine of his schoolmates are there as well, to participate in a "battle royal" as a way to entertain the town leaders by violently fighting each other.
The main motifs of blindness and invisibility found in this novel are the advantages of being invisible and the disadvantages. The narrator says, “I am not complaining, nor am I protesting either. It is sometimes advantageous to be unseen, although it is most often rather wearing on the nerves” (Prologue, 2). He demonstrates his “shedding light” philosophy in his thoughts of feeling ashamed, but still feels frustrated at the idea of being invisible. I have learned how the concept of invisibility, as Ellison presents, it is not always literal, but is often metaphorical and emotional. Nobody can truly be invisible in any situation, but the feeling of being invisible to others could make someone feel worse. Symbolism is particularly important in