Invisible Man
by Ralph Ellison
Award: National Book Winner 1953
Date Read: November 5, 2019
Invisible Man is a compelling exploration of the black predicament in the early 1950s. While other novels dealing with race (Uncle Tom's Cabin comes to mind) are more of a social protest, Invisible Man reads to me more of a glance into the varieties of black experience in 1950s America.
As uncomfortable as it may be, you can't discuss Invisible Man without discussing race. I can't help but wonder if Ellison's references to Louis Armstrong early in the novel and the popularity he enjoys by whites is because Armstrong's music is peaceful and happy (and, obviously, you know - talent), which reassures whites that even in the midst of the racist misery that's been heaped upon him, it still isn't that bad. Who could make music like that if it was so bad? But I digress...
Readers experience the narrator of Invisible Man who, in keeping with his invisibility is never provided a name, die slowly by a thousand cuts. We see a hopeful valedictorian with a promising future slowly and systematically stripped of everything necessary for identity in society - autonomy, education, employment prospects, safety, security, even his very name. He sets out so earnestly in life, only to be told again and again who he is or who society expects him to be, rather than having the freedom to define himself - a fate I fear most people of color experience.
Interestingly, the shock and horror which Clifton's death by police officers inspires in the community is horrifically similar to the same police murders still happening today - a still gut-wrenching present reality. When will this ever end?
In the final mob scene, the irony of No Name fighting through the mob with a briefcase in one hand and a leg iron in the other pretty much sums up the experience of our protagonist in a way nothing else could. His becoming invisible is perhaps the only path society has left him with, having been used and discarded as others see fit.
Ranked #19 in the Modern Library's 100 Best Novels.
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