Exploring the Theme of Invisibility in The Invisible Man

This essay delves into the theme of 'invisibility' in Ralph Ellison's novel, The Invisible Man. It explores how the protagonist's acceptance of invisibility as a replacement for identity challenges societal values and existence. The essay also discusses the use of figurative language and references to other literary conventions to support the theme. Recent studies and critical analysis are referenced throughout.

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Introduction
Aiming to understand and explore the important chosen topic and theme of ‘invisibility’
in The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, the paper will delve deeper into the crucial areas related
to the topic. The essay will argue that the novel depicts the idea of ‘invisibility’ as a kind of
salvation where at every turn, the values and existence are challenged. The following paragraphs
will refer to the literary elements that support the thesis statement of the essay.
Discussion
A closer analysis of ‘The Invisible Man’ by Ralph Ellison will project that the novel is
based on the implicit theme of ‘invisibility’ that is present in a literal and metaphorical space.
The protagonist’s gradual acceptance of the sense of invisibility as a replacement for identity is
unearthed in the sections and underlying theme of the novel. ‘Invisibility’ as a space for salvation
can be traced in the manner in which it challenges the very idea of existence of the protagonist.
Recent studies depict that the theme of invisibility is prevalent throughout the novel (Dowden et
al.). The theme of invisibility is manifested in the sections where the author depict the central
character expressing his experienced sense of ‘invisibility’ in the text. The sense of ‘invisibility’
is the result of the unrecognized nature of the existence. The protagonist’s existence is often
overlooked by the white peers (Milazzo). Although he is vested with innumerable skills, he is
often seen to be ignored and his prevalent skills are undermined by the surrounding people.
Recent studies are emblematic of the idea that the theme of ‘invisibility’ is relevant in the context
of the text (Brown-Iannuzzi). The central character’s acceptance of the sense of invisibility is
justified in terms of the acceptance of identity that is created by the surrounding society. As
presented by the protagonist,

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“I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me.” (Ellison). This line
depicts the painful reality that is representative of the negative forces in society. The dialogues
are symbolic of the excruciating pain experienced by the protagonist in a society that fails to
recognize the innate potential of a Black individual. The protagonist’s gradual acceptance of the
sense of invisibility as the only source of identity is reflective of the gradual degradation into the
state of existential crisis.
It is to be observed that the major theme of invisibility is also a form of salvation that
enables as well as challenges the basic notion of existence and the vested values. An in-depth
literary analysis of the text will project that by employing figurative language, the text endeavors
to project the innate sense of challenging values related to the self. The protagonist’s
proclamation, “When I discover who I am, I'll be free” (Ellison), depicts the intrinsic notion of
the lack of any concrete identity. The usage of figurative language assists in expressing the
underlying theme. That ‘invisibility’ is a form of salvation that paves the way for various
challenges is justified by the instances where the protagonist is stereotyped by others. Societal
stereotypes and preconceived notions make the protagonist experience invisibility. Recent
studies are emblematic of the fact that in Ellison’s The Invisible Man projects the societal
stereotypes prevalent during the time (Avery). It is also observed that acting as a space for
salvation, the idea of ‘invisibility’ operates on a metaphorical level. This can be connected to the
portrayal of Mersault in Camus’ “The Stranger”. Camus’s “The Stranger”, projects a picture of a
stranger who stands apart from the societal ideals and conventions and can be termed as
‘invisible’ against the dominant norms of society. It is also to be observed the literary convention
of intertextuality and the cross references to the earlier literary conventions. A closer analysis
will reveal that the author draws instances from Shakespeare’s blindness motif from King Lear

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(Elkins). The author also borrows the convention of underground man from Dostoevsky’s ideas.
It is also seen that the text draws references from the literary convention related to complex
stereotyping from Wright’s “Native Son”. Thus, it can be said that the text delves deeper into the
crucial aspects of ‘invisibility’ with respect to the collation of the above-mentioned conventions.
Recent studies project the idea that Ellison’s ‘Invisible Man’ is reflective of the prevalent
societal ideologies. The amalgamation of the cross references to the literary conventions assists
in justifying the thesis and theme of the ‘invisibility’. As can be traced in the proclamation of the
protagonist, “And my problem was that I always tried to go in everyone's way but my own.”
(Ellison). The line depicts the inherent need of the protagonist to establish and strive for his
identity in terms dictated by others. Thus, it can be mentioned that the aspect of ‘invisibility’ is
related to the salvation space that poses various challenges.
However, it can also be argued that the sense of ‘invisibility’ can be defined in different
terms. It can be mentioned that the ‘invisibility’ experienced by the protagonist is a figment of
the imagination. The thematic presence of ‘invisibility’ can be defined as the stereotyped notions
perpetrated by the protagonist. However, the major topic of invisibility is relevant in the context
of the novel.
Conclusion
After analyzing the above-discussed ideas, it can be concluded that the text depicts the
idea of ‘invisibility’ as a kind of salvation where at every turn, the values and existence are
challenged. It can also be concluded that the thematic analysis of the novel reveals many crucial
ideas in relation to the chosen major topic. In conclusion, it can also be said that the novel
encapsulates the important notions of invisibility that is vested in the central character of the
novel.

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Works Cited
Avery, Tamlyn E. "The Crisis of Coming of Age in Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man and the Late
Harlem Bildungsroman." Limina 20.2 (2014).
Brown-Iannuzzi, Jazmin L., et al. "The invisible man: Interpersonal goals moderate inattentional
blindness to African Americans." Journal of Experimental Psychology: General143.1 (2014):
33.
Dowden, Angel Riddick, et al. "A Phenomenological Analysis of Invisibility Among African-
American Males: Implications for Clinical Practice and Client Retention." Professional
Counselor: Research & Practice 4.1 (2014).
Elkins, Madison. "The Blindness of an Invisible Man: An Exploration of Ellison’s Female
Characters." Pursuit-The Journal of Undergraduate Research at the University of Tennessee 5.1
(2014): 9.
Ellison, Ralph. Invisible man. Penguin UK, 2016.
Milazzo, Marzia. "On white ignorance, white shame, and other pitfalls in critical philosophy of
race." Journal of Applied Philosophy 34.4 (2017): 557-572.

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Peer Review Sheet
1. Invisibility
2. YES
3. YES
4. It uses the same thesis.
5. The sense of ‘invisibility’ is vested in the protagonist who faces innumerable challenges.
6. Figurative Language
7. YES
8. Every quotation is convincing.
9. YES
10. YES
11. YES
12. To justify the role of invisibility as salvation for various challenges
13. YES
16. YES
17. YES
18. The SCTE strives to delve into an in-depth analysis of the theme. What I like the most is
that the SCTE also provides counter-arguments.

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