Morgan Hughes Katie Thorson Chapters 20-23 Morgan Hughes Katie Thorson

Themes The search for equality can upset the social status quo. A marginalized group often ends up fighting for themselves.

Thesis With Clifton’s death and the Brotherhood’s reaction to Invisible Man’s eulogy, Ellison shows the lower class’s lone struggle for equality and both its positive and negative effects on social structure.

Evidence #1 IM’s inability to reach anyone besides those in his class after Clifton’s death: “I tried to get in touch with headquarters, but again I was unable to reach anyone. I called the Chtonian but there was no answer. So I called a committee of the district’s leading members and we moved slowly ahead on our own.” (Ellison 449)

SO WHAT #1 The men in charge of the Brotherhood aren't actively participating in the struggle of the blacks, because they don't have to deal with the constant judging and hatred based on their skin tone. However, IM is constantly part of the struggle, only able to find his home in this never ending fight. The BH is part of a higher class and aren’t always available to help when needed. IM and the others were unsure as to what to do, so IM improvised a situation which ended up backfiring like his action so often do.

Evidence #2 When Invisible Man goes to meet the Brotherhood after the eulogy, he gets yelled at and degraded for the show he puts on and realizes the Brotherhood isn’t really there to help him anymore. “”What was that?” He said. “ Your what?” “My personal responsibility” I said.” (Ellison 463) “If I left it, I’d be nowhere. As dead and as meaningless as Clifton.” (Ellison 478)

SO WHAT #2 The meeting with the Brotherhood solidifies for the Invisible Man how alone he is in his fight for equality and how the strides he’s making are upsetting the social structure of the community and in the Brotherhood itself. When he mentions his social responsibility and how great the eulogy was they all get angry because they feel like he’s trying to step out and be his own person and the way they see it he’s only supposed to be a toy for them to use when and if they choose. Any time he tries to become his own person they rope him back in to not upset the status quo and fight for “equality” while trying to keep things the same. Their unsupportive attitude makes the Invisible Man realize how alone he is in his real fight and that the upper classes don’t want change at all and will only interfere with his attempt to get it.

Evidence #3 When IM speaks to Hambro about the events surrounding Clifton’s death: “”There is nothing to be done about it that wouldn’t upset the larger plan.” (Ellison 501) “ we are making temporary alliances with other political groups.” (502)

SO WHAT #3 The constant changing and shifting of political allegiances changed how those involved in the search for equality act and respond to various situations. The fact that so many people are involved in some way or another means that any change affects people across the board. One rally or march causes a large influx of people, changing the dynamics in the area. Groups that would never be connected end up working together in an attempt to achieve equality, making new social connections and sacrificing old ones. IM is shifted not only from group to group, but also from various levels within said groups.

Evidence #4 When IM is speaking to Hambro about the choices the Brotherhood is making: “”Everywhere I’ve turned somebody has wanted to sacrifice me for my good- only they were the ones who benefitted.” (Ellison 505) “Is this the new true definition, is Brotherhood a matter of sacrificing the weak?”(505)

SO WHAT #4 While the Brotherhood may play the part of a protector, they are still wiling to sacrifice the people who they are supposedly fighting for. If the discriminated groups didn’t fight for their own rights, no one would actually be looking out for their best interests. IM begins to realize this and now must lead the fight for his own people. In order to move forward in the movement he must fight the Brotherhood by “yessing” them to death and smiling to their face while stabbing them in the back.

Conclusion Throughout the events surrounding Clifton’s death and funeral, IM finds his home in a struggle. IM takes a harder route instead of the path of least resistance. He subconsciously makes things more difficult for himself with his responses and actions.