Invisible Man, Chapters 7-8, Grades 11-12

As we progress through Chapters 7 and 8 of 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison, the narrator's journey takes him to new environments that challenge his perceptions and force him to confront the complexities of identity and society. These chapters mark a significant shift in the narrative, introducing the bustling urban setting of New York City and the narrator's initial experiences there. This assignment encourages you to explore the impact of these settings on the narrator and to analyze how they contribute to the novel's exploration of themes such as race, identity, and power.

Describe the narrator's initial impressions of New York City. How do these impressions reflect his state of mind and his expectations for the future?

In Chapter 7, the narrator encounters a man selling yams on the street. Discuss the significance of this encounter and how it affects the narrator's sense of identity.

Analyze the role of the Liberty Paints plant in Chapter 8. What does the narrator's experience at the plant reveal about the themes of race and identity in the novel?

Consider the character of Lucius Brockway and his interactions with the narrator at the Liberty Paints plant. How do these interactions deepen the novel's exploration of power dynamics and social hierarchy?

Reflect on the narrator's experiences in Chapters 7 and 8 and how they contribute to his understanding of invisibility. How do these chapters build on the novel's themes of visibility, identity, and the search for self?