Great Literature Discussion Group: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

This 1952 American classic is a rhapsodic investigation of what Ralph Ellison himself called “the beautiful absurdity” of American identity. A black American tells us about his life-journey, from his adolescence in the South to his turbulent adulthood in New York. He passes through, and in turn rejects, the mythical possibilities of black citizenship as they are presented to him during his odyssey: meek assimilation and religious consolation in the South, militant Africanism and radical Communism in the North. He emerges “like all men, ambiguous, limited in circumstance but not in possibility.” Parts of this experience may have been told before, but never with such freshness, intensity and power.

Monthly, 1st Wednesday
Members Free, Guests $5

About Great Literature Discussion Group
Literary works will be discussed based on what can be found in the text in order to enrich each other’s interpretation of the novel/novella. All are welcome to join and any edition or translation of the book under discussion can be used.

Read the novella in advance and be prepared to discuss the aspects of interest to you by referring to specific related text and reading it to the group. Moderated by Ethical NYC member Gunther Tielemans.