Invisible Man's Mental Battle

Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man is characterized by numerous instances of physical combat. Within each physical fight lies a deeper psychological battle within Invisible Man himself. Throughout the novel, Invisible Man is constantly struggling against his cultural heritage, and this struggle is expressed through his physical fights. The Battle Royal at the beginning of Invisible Man’s experience is his first major attempt to confront his African-American heritage. Invisible Man’s fight with Lucius Brockway in the basement of Liberty Paints begins Invisible Man’s journey towards cultural acceptance and understanding. Invisible Man’s confrontation with Ras the Destroyer at the end of the novel marks Invisible Man’s ultimate triumph by ending

The riot mirrors the Battle Royal, but on a much larger scale (Volger 144). As Volger states, “Instead of control being ordinary citizens, it is in Brother Jack who represents their interests in controlling the Blacks. Instead of Tatlock and the invisible man battling it out at the end for supremacy, we have Ras and the invisible man, finally silencing his frantic appeal to the race” (144). The climax of the riot comes in the direct interaction between Invisible Man and Ras the Destroyer. Ras, like Invisible Man, is known for giving rousing speeches to the people of Harlem. However, the ideas expressed in Invisible Man’s speeches strongly contradict those of Ras, which causes tension and distaste between the men. The contradiction between Invisible Man and Ras causes Ras to become a terrorizing force that threatens Invisible Man’s success, as well as his life. When Ras confronts Invisible Man, he initially pushes him to fight. However, unlike in previous situations of conflict, Invisible Man does not make a move to physically fight back. Ras then accuses Invisible Man of betraying their race, and orders for Invisible Man to be hanged. While Ras calls for the hanging of Invisible Man, Invisible Man hurls a spear at Ras. The spear tears through Ras’ cheeks and lock his mouth shut, silencing him. The sudden act of violence catches Ras and his

During the riot, after almost being killed by Ras’ spear, Invisible Man begins to fully acknowledge and accept his heritage. He has turned away from the Brotherhood, which has kept him from being able to come to a cultural realization, and tries to explain himself to Ras. Invisible Man tries to explain to Ras that he no longer has interest in working with the Brotherhood. He tells Ras that the riot was the ultimate goal of the Brotherhood, and continuing the fighting and violence results in taking part in their plan. Ras does not believe Invisible Man, and demands that his followers hang Invisible Man. Ras’ persistent violence proves to Invisible Man that Ras has fallen victim to white authority and he has been manipulated by white exploitation (Trimmer 48). When the men move to comply with Ras’ orders, Invisible Man does not fight