Invisible Man, Ralph Ellison

Historical and Cultural Context

Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man paints a vivid picture of America between the 1930s and 1950s. During this period, the country was grappling with the Great Depression, which left many in financial distress. Moreover, despite the abolition of slavery, racial discrimination was still rampant, casting a shadow over the lives of black Americans.

Harlem, a buzzing cultural hub, was witnessing the Harlem Renaissance. This was a time when black artists, musicians, and writers were showcasing their talents and celebrating their unique culture. However, beneath the surface, many black individuals felt torn. They felt a duality in their identity – being both American and black.

In the literary landscape, there was a shift towards experimental storytelling, known as the Modernist Movement. Additionally, narratives centred around the black experience in America were gaining prominence and resonating with a broader audience.

Outside the realm of literature, society was stirring. The seeds of the Civil Rights Movement were being sown, with people advocating for equality regardless of race. Cities were growing rapidly too, becoming melting pots of diverse cultures and experiences, making it a time of change and introspection.

Questions

1. When was Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man set?

A. 1960s-1980s

B. 1930s-1950s

C. 1900s-1920s

D. 1980s-2000s

2. What was the Great Depression?

A. A famous book

B. A big party in America

C. A time when many people had little money

D. A dance style

3. What was happening in Harlem around the time of Invisible Man?

A. Harlem Shake Dance

B. Harlem Renaissance

C. Harlem Food Festival

D. Harlem Sports League

4. What did many black people feel torn between during this period?

A. Two jobs

B. Two cities

C. Being American and being rich

D. Being American and being black

Discussion

How do you think someone might feel if they believe the world around them doesn't really 'see' or understand them, just like the 'Invisible Man' in Ralph Ellison's novel?  

Further reading

1. Callahan, John F., ed. Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man: a Casebook. Oxford University Press, 2004. This source is a casebook edited by John F. Callahan, offering a collection of critical essays and analyses on Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man".

2.  Nash, William R. "‘Invisible Man as a form of social power’: The Evolution of Ralph Ellison’s Politics.” Ralph Ellison and the Raft of Hope: A Political Companion to Invisible Man, 2021, pp. 105-18. William R. Nash discusses the evolution of Ralph Ellison's politics as reflected in "Invisible Man", examining the novel as a form of social power.

3. Parrish, Timothy. Ralph Ellison and the Genius of America. University of Massachusetts Press, 2012. Timothy Parrish explores the broader implications of Ellison's work, discussing his literary genius in the context of American cultural and political landscapes.

4.  Smith, Valerie. "The Meaning of Narration in Invisible Man." Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man: A Casebook, edited by John F. Callahan, Oxford University Press, 2004, pp. 189-220. Valerie Smith explores the narrative style of "Invisible Man", analyzing the significance and meaning of narration in the novel.

5. Yaszek, Lisa. "An Afrofuturist Reading of Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man." Rethinking History, vol. 9, no. 2-3, 2005, pp. 297-313. Lisa Yaszek provides an Afrofuturist interpretation of "Invisible Man", exploring the novel through a lens of speculative fiction and African diasporic cultural history.