Invisible Man, By: Ralph Ellison... I've just started reading.

[Jidah C.]

So far, it's brilliant. It's different from the past books I've read written about Black people by Black writers, or White writers writing about Black people. In the sense that the person speaking in the book is articulate, no over exaggerated southern slang. Not that I don't like books with slang but some authors over do it. Any way I'm going to start posting lines I have highlighted that I'd like to discuss or just share. If you have read the book or haven't, feel free to jump in, and share your fave. or lines that made you think. and if you haven't read then feel free to leave your interpretation. Also, I'm going to post questions regarding to the book of course.

Sharing
Quote of today:
"Beware of those who speak of the spiral of history; they are preparing a boomerang. Keep a steel helmet handy." pg.6

Question
Who is Ras and Rineheart?
"Hey Ras," I called "Is it you, Destroyer? Rineheart? - pg.12

[LesYpersound]

Django? :p
this is at the top of my gotta read this next list...after the about seven books i've started and probably won't finish, ha.

[Jidah C.]

oh thanks. lol. would have never really knew. had a feeling it was something to do with music though.

LesYpersound said:

Django? :p
this is at the top of my gotta read this next list...after the about seven books i've started and probably won't finish, ha.

[LesYpersound]

oh, i don't know at all...just a guess. :P
feel free to keep updating this thread, i'm interested in your reactions as you go through the book.

[Jidah C.]

CaliforniaAfrican said:

I remember who Ras is! That's one thing that I DO remember. Sista Jidah, you made me go look on one of the bookshelves and find my old Ellison. Found it. I read it as an undergrad in 19 *cough* 88? Wow. My book may be older than you! lol

I'm reading some tonight.

-Lol CaliQueen thats not old..but older than me. lol....Whos Is Ras? Or should you not tell me it's going to spoil it? I have a feeling he's another musical artist, because he talks of Louis Armstrong and Rineheart.
- And Les. I will, I've read a really tough chapter last night. Will post after I come back from school, I have a lot of thoughts....Should I post the quote and question here, or start a new thread...naw keep it here.

[ChiAli]

It's arguably the greatest book of its time. Hopefully it will never be made into a film, because it would only be done right by one director (Spike Lee) and that one director's films have left much to be desired as of late.

[Jidah C.]

ChiAli said:

It's arguably the greatest book of its time. Hopefully it will never be made into a film, because it would only be done right by one director (Spike Lee) and that one director's films have left much to be desired as of late.

yea that would be great if Spike did it...and did a good job on it. I like a lot of his movies, what's the one with the college and Lawrence Fishburne??

[XiaMin]

Do the Right Thing just turned 20. or is it 25? Either way they did a story about it in the LA Times....interesting that it's still considered relevant.

[Jervon]

I'm reading it now. The part I'm on is kinda dragging now. It was like 2 pages of him walking to the church and started boring me to tears. Haven't pick it up recently, but did bring it to work with me today.

[Golem_3]

School Daze= that movie with the college students and Laurence Fishburne.

Anyway, you have a literary masterpiece in your hands.
Do you think his grandfather was the voice of reason?
Did the narrator truly understand what his grandfather meant?

It would make a great film, however... mainstream directors (including Spike Lee) would sully its context, and dillute the tone.

[Jidah C.]

SHARING

Quote:
Grandpa - " Son, after I'm gone I want you to keep up the good fight. I never told you, but our life is a war and I have been a traitor all my born days, a spy in the enemy's country ever since I give up my gun back in the Reconstruction. Live with your head in the lion's mouth. I want you to overcome 'em with yeses, undermine 'em with grins, agree 'em to death and destruction, let 'em swoller you till they vomit or bust wide open". "Learn it to the younguns".
-pg.16

Okay so Golem 31 glad you brought it up, I find that part of the book to be very interesting. I agree the Grandfather is the voice of reason but if the reasoning is what is best , well I'll just have to read more. I think I need a little more clarification or time spent reading and interpreting what Papi is saying. From this quote I think he's saying to overcome by learning the ways, even if that for him meant displaying that "Desirable Conduct"...being... "praised by the lily White men of the town." as the books states it. But even then, wouldn't he (protagonist) have to see himself as visible to be in the presence of White men and act a certain way to have this "desirable conduct"..or is the desirable conduct being "invisible" proving his Grandfather right, his voice of reason, and way of life?..

[Mlle d. Sade]

I started this freshman year of highschool and never finished it. I also think I have the book itself in my room.

[Pa-Ibou]

It's a great book.