Invisible Man

Lesson 29
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ELA

Unit 1

12th Grade

Lesson 29 of 36

Objective


Track the shift in the narrator’s attitude toward the Brotherhood by analyzing author’s craft.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison  pp. 445 – 461

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

In the first half of Chapter 21, the narrator’s attitude toward the Brotherhood shifts from

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The narrator implies that the most important purpose of Brother Clifton’s funeral is

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Writing Prompt

Use evidence from the chapter to explain the techniques used by the author to convey the narrator’s shifting attitude toward the Brotherhood.

Key Questions


  • On p. 445, the narrator says that Clifton must have been "amused by my political stupidity." What does he mean by this? How does it related to the symbolism of Sambo? (Clifton had rejected the Brotherhood when he realized they were using him like a marionette [p. 446], just like Sambo. Clifton realizes the narrator still hasn't realized this.)
  • p. 447: "Politically, individuals were without meaning." Whose views does this represent? What does this thought reveal about the narrator's attitude toward the Brotherhood at this point? (still guided by their ways of thinking)
  • Why is the narrator trying to reach headquarters on p. 449? What does he do when he can't reach headquarters? Why is this significant?
  • What are the narrator's motivations for planning a large and public funeral for Clifton?
  • On p. 452 the narrator wonders about the motivations of the people in attendance. Compare their motivations to his - are they similar or different?
  • The narrator asks many questions on pp. 454-455. What is the significance of this choice by Ellison? What does it reveal about the narrator's emotional state? His attitude toward the Brotherhood?

Notes


  • Review of the previous night's homework:
    • What do the Sambo dolls represent?
    • What is the author saying by having Clifton sell these dolls? How does it relate to the treatment of the narrator earlier in the chapter?
    • How does Clifton's death affect the narrator? How does it develop the theme of racism and/or blindness?
  • Students will need to read at least through p. 455 in class to answer the Target Task questions. The rest of the chapter can be read for homework. 
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Lesson 28

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Lesson 30

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