Living A Lie The Invisible Man
Living A Lie The Invisible Man
Living A Lie
In the novel, Invisible Man, by Ralph Ellison, a character known as the narrator goes through an eye-opening experience where he allows society to destroy his identity. The narrator describes himself as an invisible man living in a displaced world where people do not notice him. He becomes lost within the racial conformities of time affecting his transition to manhood. It forces him to live a life as a lie in a world where he is not honest with himself; insecure about his beliefs; and confused about his identity. Destined to be one of the prominent black men of America, he succumbs to reality by conforming to the views of others.
As the novel develops, the narrator uses dishonesty as a means to get what he wants in a world where values have little meaning. His misconstrued virtue helps him cope with himself and society. Determined to believe that they never see his true appearance, he makes up stories about crime and violence. At times, the narrator would even argue with people he did not know to create a world he thought he could live in. He conforms to the mindless games played upon him as a byproduct of his environment. He finds his life misunderstood and unparallel to others he meets.
As the novel moves forward, the narrator begins thinking of ways to return to college and make something of himself. Aware of the fact that they kicked him out of school for unacceptable conduct, he still believes his future is promising and nothing will stand in his way. It is only when he finds out from Mr. Emerson that he has been mislead that he comes to grips with his existence. An...
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