Invisible Man

Lesson 2
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ELA

Unit 1

12th Grade

Lesson 2 of 36

Objective


Explain the narrator’s attitude towards his own “invisibility” by analyzing elements such as diction, tone, motifs, and style.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison  pp. 4 – 14

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the narrator’s attitude toward the people who refuse to “see” him?

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Sample Response

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Which quotation from the text best supports the answer to number 1?

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

What is the narrator’s attitude toward his invisibility? In other words, how does he seem to feel about it and how does the author convey this? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • What does he mean by “inner eyes” on p. 3? Trace the narrator’s references to sight, blindness, invisibility throughout the prologue. What is the significance?
  • Who are the “sleeping ones”? p. 5 How do you know?
  • What is his “act of sabotage” on p. 7? How is it important both literally and symbolically? (“The truth is the light and the light is the truth.”)
  • What do the italics represent? (p. 9-12)
  • Why does he refer to hibernation throughout the prologue?
  • Why does he call himself irresponsible at the end of the chapter? Do you agree with his assessment?

Notes


  • Re-read the first paragraph and continue from there to read the prologue in its entirety.
  • Consider playing Louis Armstrong's "(What Did I Do to Be So) Black and Blue?" in the background as students read. Compare the writer's style to jazz.
  • Call students' attention to the matter-of-fact tone with which the narrator addresses the horrors of racism.
  • Assign the article, "The Hero's Journey" for homework.

Next

Explain how the author develops the motifs of invisibility and blindness in Chapter 1.

Explain the connection between the novel and the article.

Lesson 3
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