Invisible Man, Chapters 17-18, Grades 9-10

Chapters 17 and 18 of 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison continue to explore the narrator's deepening involvement with the Brotherhood and the complexities of navigating a racially and politically charged environment. These chapters highlight the challenges of leadership and the struggle for authenticity amidst external pressures. Focus on how the narrator's experiences and the dynamics within the Brotherhood contribute to the themes of identity, power, and resistance.

What are the narrator's initial tasks in his new role within the Brotherhood, and how does he approach these responsibilities?

Describe the narrator's strategy for gaining the community's trust in Harlem. How does he plan to address their concerns and needs?

Examine the significance of the conflict between the narrator and Brother Hambro. What does this conflict reveal about the ideological and operational differences within the Brotherhood?

Discuss the impact of the riot in Harlem on the narrator's understanding of his role in the Brotherhood and the community. How does this event shift his perspective?

Reflect on the narrator's realization about the nature of power and manipulation within the Brotherhood. How do these revelations influence his view of his own identity and purpose?