Invisible Man

614 Words2 Pages

Over the course of Invisible Man, I.M becomes increasingly “invisible” while there is a superior influence present. This is delineated in several instances in the book, such as when I.M is embarking on his peregrination North. This was a transitional period in I.M’s tale, and when transitioning, there was no individual to provide guidance. I.M also does not have a solid mentor during the downfall of the Brotherhood, which eventually brings him his ultimate demise. The feeling of invisibilty had turned so great that he refused to attempt to break free of the sewer that he was trapped in because he felt so insecure about his invisibility. prove Aforementioned in the introduction, a general trend noted in the book is that during transitional phases, …show more content…

There are several points of justification for this scene being qualified as “transitional”. A crucial point in characterizing these scenes as transitional, other than a lack of influence, is the ambience of uncomfortability, such as his thoughts when he was crammed in the subway car, “The car roared and swayed, pressing me hard against her, but when I took a furtive glance around no one was paying me the slightest attention” (158). The uncomfortableness of the setting, coupled with the lack of a superior influence, causes I.M to glance around and notice that he was being paid no attention. A paucity of attention, even though inconsequential in public instances, causes I.M’s sense of invisibility to grow. This was a defining moment in the novel, with it being one of cardinal moments in which I.M did not have an influence. Another significant moment is represented when I.M says “I sat back with a sigh of relief, yet once the passengers were aboard, and the bus under way again, I felt sad and utterly alone” (156). This is prompted by Crenshaw and the vet exiting the bus, and resulting in the privation of the only two faces I.M is able to relate to. In lieu of this event, I.M’s senses of invisibility rise, as seen by when he says “Maybe I've been wrong about the secretaries, I thought; maybe they destroyed the letters. I should have been more careful” (NEED PAGE). This self doubt stirring in his mind is indicative

More about Invisible Man

Open Document