Invisible Man Analysis

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The nature of humanity frequently masks and distorts an individual’s concept of their own true self-identity. By creating unique and controversial symbolic objects, Ralph Ellison conveys this notion in his novel Invisible Man. Ellison uses the symbolic objects the briefcase, the bank, and the Sambo doll to demonstrate the idea that human stereotypes, different ideologies, and an individual’s past all control personal identity. However, one can only discover self-identity if they give up interaction with these aspects of life.
The briefcase possesses inconstant meaning throughout the novel. Awarded as a prize to him for his triumphs, the narrator first views this object as a sentimental representation of his greatest achievement and future desires. He states “My fingers a-tremble, I complied, smelling the fresh leather an official looking document inside. It was a scholarship to the state college for Negroes. My eyes filled with tears and I ran awkwardly off the floor,” to show how the briefcase stimulates his emotional epiphany of his dreams being within reach (Ellison 32). By telling the narrator that he should “Consider it a badge of office,” and that the briefcase “. . .will be filled with important papers that will help shape the destiny of your people,” the superintendent and Board of Education present the idea that the narrator can make a difference in society, as long as it is within their circumstances (Ellison 32). This incident allows Ellison to portray the idea that society places labels on individuals to manipulate them into complying with specific structure and order. However, towards the conclusion of the novel, the narrator realizes that his past, including cultural history and personal events, holds him back fr...

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...r actions, names, and surroundings. Ideologies help explore different values and morals, but society cannot prove one to be better than another. Yes, each individual can have separate opinions and beliefs, but they will only find happiness if they focus on their own thoughts instead of fighting a never-ending battle towards a perfect society.
Through the symbolic objects of the briefcase, the bank, and the Sambo doll, Ellison illustrates the idea that numerous thoughts and ideas attempt to possess one’s morals, decisions, and personal thoughts. Individuals can only find true identity through accepting differences and focusing on what they think to be the perfect combination of personal morals and beliefs. If people continue to search for a perfect society and avoid alienating themselves from outside influences, identity and contentment will continue to be a mystery.

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