Invisible Man, Chapters 7-8, Grades 9-10

In Chapters 7 and 8 of 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison, the narrator finds himself in new and challenging environments that test his resolve and understanding of identity. These chapters offer a closer look at the complexities of social dynamics and personal ambition. Pay attention to how the narrator navigates these challenges and what it reveals about his character and the novel's themes.

How does the narrator end up working at the Liberty Paints plant, and what does his job there entail?

Describe the significance of the 'Optic White' paint at Liberty Paints. How does it serve as a metaphor in the novel?

Examine the character of Lucius Brockway and his relationship with the narrator. What do their interactions reveal about workplace dynamics and racial tensions?

How does the explosion at the paint factory affect the narrator's physical and psychological state?

Reflect on the narrator's experiences in the hospital. How do these experiences deepen the novel's exploration of identity and invisibility?