Invisible Man

Lesson 30
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ELA

Unit 1

12th Grade

Lesson 30 of 36

Objective


Analyze Ellison’s portrayal of the leadership of the Brotherhood and their conflict with the narrator.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison  pp. 462 – 478

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

Which choice most accurately describes the committee’s tone toward the narrator in these pages?

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Which choice best summarizes the committee’s overall message to the narrator?

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Writing Prompt

What techniques does the author use to develop the conflict between the narrator and the committee? Explain using evidence from the chapter.

Key Questions


  • As you read the first pages of the chapter, track the author's repetition of specific diction. Pay close attention to the terms "tactician" and "personal responsibility." Why do the committee members repeat these phrases? What is their tone? Why?
  • What other diction repeats in this chapter? Why? What is the author conveying? (discipline, traitor, patience, etc.)
  • At the bottom of p. 464 the narrator says, "I don't know what this is all about, Brother. What are you trying to say?" As you read pp. 465-470, consider your answer to the question. What are the committee members trying to convey to the narrator through their words, actions, and tone?
  • What is the conflict between the narrator and the committee members about? How does it develop the theme of racism?
  • What do the committee members think of Brother Clifton? What does the narrator think?
  • p. 473: The narrator is gripping Brother Tarp's leg chain. What does this signify?
  • p. 474: Brother Jack's glass eye pops out! What is Ellison's purpose for bringing the motif of blindness into this scene?
  • Where is our protagonist in his Hero's Journey at this point? What makes you think this?

Notes


In order to answer the Target Task questions, students must read through p. 470. Reading to p. 474 (for the scene with the eye) would be ideal even if students skim a page or two in the middle. Students can finish the rest of the chapter for homework if they do not finish it in class today.

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Lesson 29

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Lesson 31

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