....................................... (I n v i s i b l e t i t l e )

                                       
                                                                   What color am I?

The drama spelled out in "The Invisible Man" all centers around race.

Blacks vs. Whites

Interestingly, since so much of the story line concerns one group of people subjegating another group based upon a difference of color, that the subject (and author) lables himself "Invisible".

Obviously, there is more to the eye.

Speaking of eyes, Scott brought to my attention the aspect of seeing or eyes in the story.

Going back to admire the sleek design of the cover, (very graphic atrs oriented) rife with subliminal messages all concerning "seeing"

Eyebrow misdrawn and misplaced.

Eye drawn counter to the style of the rest of the piece.

Even the words "a novel" are placed in such a way as to draw the viewers eye to the lack of an eye on the other side of the face.

Going back to the novel, looking for the part where the black youths were shown a naked dancer.

re-reading, watching for catch phrases in this one section. (second paragraph of page 1139)

"sea of faces" "price of looking been blindness", "eyes hollow", "would have looked", "looked in spite of myself", "eyes brushed slowly over her body", "see the fine texture", "cover her from my eyes", "eyes of the others", "hide from her", "she saw only me with her impersonal eyes"

how many is that? (counting)

11

Eleven references to seeing or being seen in one paragraph. Obviously, Ellison is wanting us to "see" something indeed.

Apparently, there is an invisible women along with the invisible man. one may scratch their heads at this, since the sexy blond woman was there to be looked at. (By both whites and blacks) How so, "invisible"?
To further counter the invisibility notion proposed is the notion that her whole purpose in being there was to be shown off and lusted after, dancing for the men, showing them things that their wives would never do for them. soooooo... invisible?

I would propose that the men, of both colors, saw her as a thing. Much as the whites saw the blacks as a thing. Something to be used. However, the text alludes that the woman hides her true self showing only what she wishes. there is a detachment there from the room and situation.

"impersonal eyes" - she is not about to connect
"fixed smiling lips" she wants paid as well right?
"terror and discust in her eyes" - need i say more?

The boy relates to her terror, not realizing that he soon, will be center stage.

Decker