Invisible Man

Lesson 19
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ELA

Unit 1

12th Grade

Lesson 19 of 36

Objective


Analyze the impact that the Brotherhood has on the narrator’s developing identity.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison  pp. 296 – 317

  • Video: “Backwater Blues” by Bessie Smith 

  • Lyrics: Backwater Blues 

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

Which choice best describes the narrator’s view of the Brotherhood?

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Sample Response

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Which choice best describes the author’s view of the Brotherhood?

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

How does his interaction with the Brotherhood impact the narrator’s identity development? Explain using evidence from the novel.

Key Questions


  • Review of homework: What decision does the narrator make at the beginning of the chapter? Why? How does it contrast with his decision at the end of the previous chapter? What is the significance of this shift?
  • p. 303: "Shouldn't he be a little blacker?" Who says this? What does it reveal?
  • p. 304: What does Brother Jack say that the mission of the Brotherhood is?
  • Trace the imagery of hot/cold throughout the chapter. What does it reveal?
  • What does Booker T. Washington signify in the novel? How does Ellison feel about Washington? How is his choice on p. 305-307 significant? What is he signaling to the reader?
  • p. 309: What are they doing to his identity? How does this develop theme?
  • pp. 310-312: How is this theme of identity further developed in the rest of the chapter?
  • How does the author want us to feel about the Brotherhood? How does he convey that?
  • What is the significance of the name of the club?
  • How does the narrator feel about the Brotherhood? What does this disconnect reveal about him as a character and his identity development?

Notes


  • Pp. 296-305 should be read as homework prior to this class.
  • Consider playing "Backwater Blues" as students read or giving them copies of the lyrics to consider how it contributes to the theme and plot development.
  • As a Do Now or for homework, students should read the brief article on the CPUSA in this lesson's materials. Ask, What were the goals of the CPUSA and how are they similar to the messages of the Brotherhood? Ellison intended the Brotherhood to represent the CPUSA. What does this knowledge add to our understanding of the text?

Next

Explain how the author uses symbolism and imagery to reveal character and theme in this chapter.

Lesson 20
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