Invisible Man

Lesson 8
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ELA

Unit 1

12th Grade

Lesson 8 of 36

Objective


Analyze the motif of masks and how the author develops it in Chapter 4.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison  pp. 98 – 108

  • Poem: “We Wear the Mask” by Paul Laurence Dunbar 

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

The question that Dr. Bledsoe asks on p. 102 (“We take these…know that?”) most nearly implies that

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

What do we learn about the character of Dr. Bledsoe in chapter 4? How does the author use the motif of masks to develop his character? Explain using evidence from the chapter and/or the poem.

Key Questions


For the poem:

  • What does the symbol of the mask mean?
  • What is the speakers' attitude toward wearing the mask? How do you know?

For the chapter:

  • What is the mood on p. 98? How does the author establish it?
  • What does the author cause us to wonder in these opening paragraphs? What techniques does the author use to build the feelings of suspense throughout the chapter?
  • Who is Dr. Bledsoe? Describe his treatment of the narrator. How does it help build suspense?
  • p. 102: "We take these white folks where we want them to go, we show them what we want them to see. Don't you know that?"
  • Would Dr. Bledsoe agree or disagree with the speaker of the poem? How do you know?
  • On pp. 102-103 the author uses the metaphor of the mask and the veil. Why? What is his message?
  • pp. 103-104: How is Dr. Bledsoe different with Mr. Norton than with the narrator? Why? What is his motivation?
  • p. 105: Why is the narrator confused?
  • p. 108: What is going to happen when he goes to meet with Dr. Bledsoe? How do you know?

Notes


  • For the sake of time, it will be necessary to give the poem as a Do Now or other brief activity. This is not designed to be an entire lesson on poetry.
  • Assign pp. 109-118 for homework, tracking references to masks and the narrator's mood.

Next

Explain the significance of Reverend Barbee’s characterization of the Founder and Dr. Bledsoe.

Lesson 9
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