In Invisible Man, the narrator's briefcase primarily serves to symbolize which of the following?
A. memories of both victories and failures from the past
B. prejudices and stereotypes he is unable to shed
C. success he has attained despite his many obstacles
D. the hopelessness of pursuing goals white people bar him from
E. his success in speaking to both black and white audiences
A. memories of both victories and failures from the past
What does the epilogue in Invisible Man tell the reader about the narrator's future?
A.
He is going to rejoin the world on his own terms.
B.
He is going to continue to hide underground for life.
C.
He is going to return to the college to continue his studies.
D.
He is going to seek revenge on those who have harmed him.
E.
He is going to start an organization of his own to create change.
A. He is going to rejoin the world on his own terms.
The narrator and Ras the Exhorter/Destroyer are both which type of character?
A.
dynamic
B.
flat
C.
protagonist
D.
rounded
E.
static
A. dynamic
To determine the answer to this question, we need to analyze the role of the narrator's briefcase in Invisible Man and its symbolic significance. The briefcase is an important object throughout the novel, representing various themes and ideas. By considering the context of the story and the narrator's experiences, we can deduce the primary symbolism associated with the briefcase.
One of the key functions of the briefcase is to store and carry the narrator's identity and history. It contains important documents, letters, and the scholarship he receives from the white men at the beginning of the novel. The briefcase becomes a symbol of the narrator's personal and collective memories, as it carries both victories and failures from his past (Option A).
However, the briefcase also represents much more than just memories. Throughout the story, the narrator encounters prejudice, stereotypes, and racism from both white and black individuals. The briefcase serves as a metaphor for the prejudices and stereotypes that the narrator is unable to shed (Option B). It becomes a burden that inhibits his ability to fully express his individuality and challenges his sense of self.
While it is true that the briefcase could be seen as a representation of the success the narrator has attained despite his obstacles (Option C), this interpretation fails to capture the complexity of the novel. The briefcase is not solely a symbol of triumph; it encompasses the narrator's struggles and the limitations imposed on him by society. Therefore, we can eliminate this option.
The briefcase also does not directly symbolize the hopelessness of pursuing goals that white people bar the narrator from (Option D). Though the briefcase does reflect the challenges he faces due to societal discrimination, its symbolic meaning is more nuanced and multifaceted.
Lastly, the briefcase does not explicitly represent the narrator's success in speaking to both black and white audiences (Option E). While the briefcase does play a role in his public speaking engagements throughout the novel, its symbolic meaning extends beyond this specific function.
Considering the above analysis, the most appropriate answer is B. The narrator's briefcase primarily serves to symbolize the prejudices and stereotypes he is unable to shed.