Invisible Man, Chapters 9-10, Grades 11-12

In Chapters 9 and 10 of 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison, the narrative deepens with pivotal events that significantly impact the narrator's psychological state and his understanding of society's complexities. These chapters explore themes of disillusionment, manipulation, and the quest for identity against a backdrop of racial prejudice. As you read, consider how the narrator's experiences and the characters he encounters contribute to the novel's exploration of these themes.

Chapter 9 features a significant dream sequence involving the narrator's grandfather. How does this dream reflect the narrator's internal conflict and his feelings about his racial identity?

Discuss the importance of the 'vet' (the veteran doctor) in Chapter 9. How does his advice to the narrator serve as a turning point in the narrator's understanding of himself and the world around him?

Analyze the narrator's decision to assume a new identity in Chapter 10. What does this decision reveal about his psychological state and his approach to navigating the social challenges he faces?

The factory hospital scene in Chapter 10 introduces themes of dehumanization and control. Discuss how the treatment of the narrator in the hospital serves as a metaphor for broader societal issues.

Reflect on the narrator's experiences in these chapters and how they contribute to the theme of invisibility. How do these experiences shape his understanding of power, identity, and visibility in society?