Symbolism In Invisible Man

Words: 1014
Pages: 5

Malcom Whitaker
Ms. Buxton
AP Literature
05/17/16
1st. Period
Color Blind
In Invisible Man, Ellison portrays the deception of vision within a display of societal reaction to appearance and power. Throughout the novel, Ellison utilizes many techniques such as imagery, point of view, symbolism, and irony to form the basis of this notion.
Black and white images serve as the principles of white power and control over black members of society. The presence of white power is quite overwhelming in the beginning of the novel. Especially during the blindfolded boxing match in chapter one. The white blindfolds that were placed on the black boys in the match are the key factor to the realization of white dominance. The blindfolds also symbolize the
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Names and colors for instance, are a prime key in Invisible Man. Liberty Paint Company may possibly be the strongest display of these factors in the novel. The deceptiveness of Liberty Paint Company is found in their most prideful color, “Optic White”. The most pure of white paints to ever be created, however; ten drops of black paint are required to form this illusional color. Along with the symbolism of a white paint being made in a novel dealing with an aggressive race issue, Liberty Paint Company is a display of black contributions necessary to America. White people believe that America is the White Man’s country, however America would not stand without the basis of black society. Ellison follows common views that society holds to these colors of black and white. When Ellison parts from these views is where the importance is found. Symbolism of the color black usually has a negative vibe, as white tends to the more positive side. The views of society in this novel of black and white races is a complete plot twist. Multiple times average symbolism is overturned and Ellison illustrates that black doesn't have to be negative. Ellison also talks about black and white at the same time. He writes about black, when he is also writing about white, “But still their meanings were lost in the vast whiteness in which I myself was lost"(152.10). They are in the same scenes, yet there is no mixing involved. Ellison utilizes these examples to display his point of view. He believes black and white must be together for everything to happen, but it doesn’t work if they are attempting to