The Invisible Man's Speech

Since the very beginning of the novel, the invisible man held himself to a high level of respect. He portrayed it as if he was the only Negro in his town that was liked by white men. While setting the scene before attending the Battle Royal, he bragged “I was praised by the most lily- white men in town”. Due to the confidence he had in his position in the community, he did not acknowledge what he was truly being used for. Upon arriving at the Battle Royal, he realized that he had to partake in some sort of struggle in order to deliver his speech. Although the invisible man was invited primarily to deliver a speech, the true reason he was present was to participate in this battle which demonstrates what the men who “praised” him truly