In Invisible Man, the main character disproved of Tod Clifton and didn't like that he was selling sambo dolls. Why would he then make Clifton seem like a hero, and give a grand speech about him at his funeral? Was it because he wanted to impress others with his oratorical skills?
I'm not sure, but use this site --
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/invisibleman/ -- and read both the plot summary for that section of the story as well as the character analysis.
In Ralph Ellison's novel Invisible Man, the main character's relationship with Tod Clifton is indeed complex and evolves throughout the course of the story. While the protagonist initially disapproves of Clifton's job as a street vendor selling sambo dolls, the reason behind his behavior at Clifton's funeral goes deeper than simply wanting to impress others with his oratorical skills.
In the novel, the main character experiences a series of disillusionments and challenges to his identity, struggling with the idea of invisibility and the ways in which society tries to define and control him. When Clifton is killed by a police officer during a street protest, the main character witnesses the tragic consequences of racial injustice firsthand. This event forces the protagonist to confront the harsh reality of the world he lives in.
During Clifton's funeral, the main character delivers a grand speech to honor and remember him. It is not solely about impressing others, but rather signifies a turning point in the main character's journey. The speech is an expression of the protagonist's realization of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the humanity of individuals like Clifton, who often become marginalized and forgotten in society.
Through his speech, the main character attempts to reclaim Clifton's identity, to resist the dehumanization he experienced, and to fight against the invisibility that both he and Clifton have endured. By elevating Clifton to a hero-like status, the main character challenges the prevailing narratives of invisibility and asserts the significance of individual stories.
In summary, the main character's speech at Tod Clifton's funeral is not solely driven by a desire to impress others. It is a pivotal moment in the novel where the protagonist confronts his own invisibility and makes a deliberate choice to recognize and honor the humanity of a fellow marginalized individual, ultimately challenging the societal norms that perpetuate oppression.