Ellison Essay Two

Invisible Man Essay Two (Paper Four for Course)
(800 Word minimum)

Bring Three Copies plus Three Editing Sheets and 3 Evaluation Summary Sheets

Revised Papers Due Wednesday, November 21
In a folder, bring:

Paper must be typed, double-spaced, and include an outline (which does not count toward the 800-word minimum).
Be sure your thesis is clear and precise and that your supporting evidence is adequate and effective.
Also be sure to eliminate all mechanical errors and to use spellcheck, both with your computer and your own eyes.
Look at the sample outline here (keeping in mind that your outline will be double-spaced).
An example of Essay Format can be found in the sample paper on our web page (Keep in mind that your essay will be double-spaced).
Do NOT use a cover page, please !

The Assignment: Ellison's Invisible Man

Two of the more interesting figures we have encountered thus far in the novel are Dr. Bledsoe, president of the narrator's school, and Lucius Brockway, the "engineer" at Liberty Paints. Both provide interesting perspectives on their place in the larger system.

For example, Bledsoe says, "I's big and black and I say 'Yes, suh' as loudly as any burrhead when it's convenient, but I'm still the king down here. . . . This is a power set-up, son, and I'm at the controls" (142).
Later, Brockway says, "You cain't forgit down here, 'cause if you do, you liable to blow up something. They got all this machinery, but that ain't everything: we the machines inside the machine" (217).

In what ways do these two descriptions express similar ideas? In what ways are they different? How do they relate to the larger context--in what ways, if any, do Bledsoe and Brockway occupy similar positions? How much control do they exercise over their situations? Who might have more to teach the narrator?
Do not attempt to answer all of these questions here. Instead, consider them all as you develop a clear thesis and a unified argument in support of that thesis.
Be sure to refer to specific passages, using direct quotes and parenthetical citation.