Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Battle Royal
What an opening for a great novel. I read "Invisible Man" a few years ago, but don't ask me to tell you details about it besides "Ellison's prose is so beautiful," "the main character learns that he is invisible in American society," and "we never figure out the narrator/main character's name" and "it's depressing." I do know that the first chapter sets up the story perfectly. We have the main character's youthful personality. We have foreshadowing and symbolism woven into a believable and horrifying event. The message of the chapter--that equality is controlled, manipulated, and selfishly restricted by the majority--is the message of the book. This is the dark side of America. This is the face of America many have seen, and at the same time, we can see that America treats others more favoribly. As Christian people, we can learn from "Invisible Man." Is Ellison's take on American society correct . . . what have you experienced? What are the real things we should be avoiding and what are the actions and laws that really count? Will you allow oppression in its subtle and blaitant forms? Or will you join Granfather's followers and "undermine 'em," overcome 'em," and "agree 'em," the oppressive powers that be, to death.?
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3 comments:
I agree with your comments on the darkness but reality of "Invisible Man". I've never read the novel, and after reading this excerpt of it, I'm not sure I'd like to. Though the context of the story is true, it's one that is hard to hear/read. It makes clear the fact that oppression and discrimination often goes unnoted or unaddressed, and the reality of that is one that is hard to face. Despite this, I believe it's important to read and realize the reality of our society, however corrupt it may be.
I think that you are right on the darkness of the novel. I had not identified that in the text and now believe that could be the reason that I love the story so much. Perhaps the reason that this story is so great is because thourgh the suffering of the character we truly can gather how far we have come as a society and truly appreciate the good that some people exhibit.
While reading chapter one, I couldn't help but feel contempt for the situation and how everyone behaved. I question the whites and am appalled at their behavior. I appreciate what Brad said, though, that we should take a minute to see how far our country has come. I cannot help but wonder though, how did those boys get involved in this weird fight/electricution "game"? It's disturbing and scary and I can't think of anything I've ever heard of that explains this scenario. Especially the electric rug part. That was just bizarre and unbelievable and sickening, too. I think I need to focus more on "how far we've come" again because it's so depressing to think about! Anyway, Miss Berty, your questions are tough but important. I've been thinking on them for a while now, and I have to wonder how I'm already allowing oppression. Thanks for making me think.
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