Ralph Ellison is the writer of all the essays contained in Shadow and Act, the intellect and experience behind the analysis they contain, and a voice of hope in the at times hopeless, usually oppressive world he describes. Throughout the book are scattered a few biographical details - born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, studied to be a classical composer, turned to writing in his twenties, was mentored by Richard Wright (an early Negro novelist), and published a well received novel, Invisible Man. It's interesting to note, however, that the book contains relatively few specific references to what he did or what he experienced during all these phases of his life. Ellison's writing, at least in this collection of essays, tends to focus on what he's learned and come to understand since becoming.....
This is a free excerpt of 135 words. This section contains 1,132 words. This
study guide contains 38,717 words (approx. 129 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Literature Guide with our Shadow and Act Access Pass.
