CliffsNotes on Ellison's Invisible Man

by Washington, Durthy A.

• ISBN13: 9780764586569
• ISBN10: 0764586564
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-12-15
• Publisher: Cliffs Notes

Summary

This novel about a young black man in Harlem reveals the process of self-discovery and emphasizes individuality. Through a difficult passage into manhood, Ellison writes of the alienation of humans in everyday life, yet he remains whole and optimistic.This concise supplement to Ellison's Invisible Man helps students understand the overall structure of the novel, actions and motivations of the characters, and the social and cultural perspectives of the author.

Author Biography

About the Author Durthy A. Washington is a writer whose area of special interest is American ethnic literature, with an emphasis on the works of black American authors. She holds a master's degree in education from the University of Southern California and a master's degree in English from San Jose State University. She currently teaches at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Table of Contents

Life and Background of the Author	1	(6)
Personal Background	2	(1)
Career Highlights	3	(1)
Literary Influences	4	(1)
Commenting on Blacks in America	5	(2)
Introduction to the Novel	7	(14)
Introduction	8	(3)
A Brief Synopsis	11	(2)
List of Characters	13	(6)
Character Map	19	(2)
Critical Commentaries	21	(96)
Prologue	22	(4)
Summary	22	(1)
Commentary	23	(1)
Glossary	24	(2)
Chapter 1	26	(4)
Summary	26	(1)
Commentary	26	(3)
Glossary	29	(1)
Chapter 2	30	(4)
Summary	30	(1)
Commentary	30	(2)
Glossary	32	(2)
Chapter 3--4	34	(5)
Summary	34	(1)
Commentary	35	(2)
Glossary	37	(2)
Chapter 5--6	39	(4)
Summary	39	(1)
Commentary	39	(2)
Glossary	41	(2)
Chapter 7--9	43	(5)
Summary	43	(1)
Commentary	44	(2)
Glossary	46	(2)
Chapter 10--12	48	(4)
Summary	48	(1)
Commentary	49	(2)
Glossary	51	(1)
Chapter 13	52	(3)
Summary	52	(1)
Commentary	53	(1)
Glossary	54	(1)
Chapter 14--16	55	(5)
Summary	55	(2)
Commentary	57	(1)
Glossary	58	(2)
Chapter 17	60	(4)
Summary	60	(1)
Commentary	60	(3)
Glossary	63	(1)
Chapter 18--19	64	(3)
Summary	64	(1)
Commentary	65	(1)
Glossary	66	(1)
Chapter 20--21	67	(4)
Summary	67	(1)
Commentary	67	(3)
Glossary	70	(1)
Chapter 22	71	(3)
Summary	71	(1)
Commentary	71	(2)
Glossary	73	(1)
Chapter 23	74	(3)
Summary	74	(1)
Commentary	75	(1)
Glossary	76	(1)
Chapter 24	77	(3)
Summary	77	(1)
Commentary	77	(2)
Glossary	79	(1)
Chapter 25	80	(7)
Summary	80	(1)
Commentary	81	(2)
Glossary	83	(1)
Epilogue	84	(1)
Summary	84	(1)
Commentary	84	(1)
Glossary	85	(2)
Character Analyses	87	(1)
The Narrator	88	(1)
Mr. Norton	89	(1)
Dr. A. Hebert Bledsoe	90	(1)
Rev. Homer A. Barbee	91	(1)
Jim Trueblood	92	(1)
Ras the Exhorter	93	(1)
Mary Rambo	94	(1)
Brother Tod Clifton	95	(1)
Brother Jack	96	(1)
Critical Essays	97	(1)
Symbols and Symbolism in Invisible Man	98	(4)
Wordplay in Invisible Man	102	(2)
Profiles of Leadership in Invisible Man	104	(3)
Harlem: City of Dreams	107	(2)
Cliffs Notes Reiview	109	(1)
Q&A	109	(1)
Identify the Quote	110	(1)
Essay Questions	111	(1)
Practice Projects	111	(2)
Cliffs Notes Resource Center	113	(1)
Books	113	(1)
Internet	114	(1)
Journal Resource	115	(1)
Send Us Your Favorite Tips	115	(2)
Index	117