Based on readings from the first 20 chapters of "Invisible Man", what does the narrator mean when he refers to himself as "invisible"?
Is it because of all the situations he been in and no one really seeing him or his feelings?
HELP PLEASE
I agree with you.
This may help you with other questions.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/invisibleman/
So how would you say one of the examples of the journey to solitude reflect a understanding of his own "invisibility"?
I'd say it just the way you said it.
One of the examples of the journey to solitude reflects an understanding of his own "invisibility."
In "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison, the narrator refers to himself as "invisible" to convey a deeper meaning beyond physical visibility. The concept of invisibility represents the narrator's social and psychological experiences as an African American man in a racially segregated society.
To understand the narrator's self-perception of invisibility, it is crucial to examine the context provided in the first 20 chapters of the book. Throughout these chapters, the narrator encounters various situations where he feels unseen and unheard, both literally and metaphorically.
1. Racial Invisibility: The narrator experiences racial discrimination and marginalization, where society systematically ignores and devalues the voices and experiences of African Americans. This invisibility stems from the deeply ingrained racism and prejudice of the time.
2. Identity Crisis: The narrator struggles with his own identity and sense of self. He grapples with conforming to societal expectations while also feeling the need to assert his individuality. By labeling himself as "invisible," he describes a sense of being overlooked and not fully understood or acknowledged.
3. Psychological Invisibility: The narrator's feelings of invisibility extend beyond physical appearance. He realizes that even when seen, others often fail to recognize his emotions, aspirations, and humanity. This psychological invisibility fuels his isolation and fuels his frustration.
Overall, the narrator's use of the term "invisible" illustrates the profound alienation and dehumanization experienced by African Americans in a racially divided society. This invisibility is not limited to mere physical invisibility but extends to being ignored, misunderstood, and reduced to stereotypes. It highlights the complex and deeply entrenched social dynamics that the narrator confronts throughout the novel.