Invisible Man

Lesson 5
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ELA

Unit 1

12th Grade

Lesson 5 of 36

Objective


Analyze the impact of Ellison’s portrayal of the Founder, the trustees, and the university.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison  pp. 34 – 46

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

What is the narrator’s tone toward the university? What evidence supports your answer?

In what ways does this chapter serve as a critique of Booker T. Washington? Explain.

Re-read this line from Mr. Norton on p. 43:

"So you see young man, you are involved in my life quite intimately, even though you’ve never seen me before. You are bound to a great dream and to a beautiful monument.”

Explain the significance of the author’s choice to use the word “bound” in the final sentence. What is his message here?

Key Questions


  • What words does the narrator use to describe the college on pp. 34-35? What is his tone?
  • What words does the narrator use to describe the statue of the Founder? What is the tone? How do you know?
  • What is the relationship between the article on Washington and the portrayal of the Founder? How does this impact the meaning of the chapter?
  • How does the narrator describe Mr. Norton on p. 37?
  • What is the significance of Ellison's choice to use the phrase "white man's burden" on p. 37?
  • What are Mr. Norton's motivations for wanting the narrator to succeed? How do you know?

Notes


  • Up to p. 43 (or top of 44) must be read in class. If necessary, pp. 44-46 can be assigned as homework.
  • Assign pp. 46-59 for homework.

Next

Explain how the author uses the Trueblood family as a social critique.

Lesson 6
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