View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What, ironically, makes the narrator's white bosses distrustful of him?

2. According to the vet, what does a white woman symbolize?

3. How is the narrator's invisibility related to his residence?

4. Which of the following two concepts, in combination, does Ellison see as a "raft of hope."

5. What does the moon symbolize?

Short Essay Questions

1. What surprises the narrator upon his arrival in Harlem?

2. What lie does Dr. Bledsoe expect the narrator to tell?

3. What does Ellison mean by "benign neglect"?

4. Explain the irony of the sign "Keep American Pure with Liberty Paints."

5. Of what "irresponsibility" are sleepwalkers and dreamers accused?

6. Why does the narrator say he is invisible?

7. What does the narrator expect from his visit with Mr. Bates?

8. What is the objective of Rev. Barbee's sermon?

9. What does the narrator notice while waiting for his appointment with the trustees?

10. How does the setting in chapter 5 provide additional foreshadowing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Being invisible can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. By the end of the novel, how does the narrator intend to use his invisibility? Is the state of being invisible to the inner eye of other people something that can be changed? If so, how? If not, why not?

Essay Topic 2

Explain why the Brotherhood chooses the narrator. What factors have made him particularly vulnerable to their approach? How do his own intentions change as he begins working with them?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the symbolism of the following items: the figurine bank, the dark glasses, the briefcase, the dancing dolls, the piece of chain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 750 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample