WAEC Literature in English 2022 Theory — Question 6

Model answer

Points to develop: i. Relation to theme; ii. Character identification; iii. Whiteman's perceptions; iv. Ras as a representative of the white man's perceptions; v. The portrayal of Ras. The novel Invisible Man deals with the themes of racism, violence, identity, black history, innocence, among others. These are founded on the theme of white perceptions of blacks and their effects on blacks in America. Ras is a black man. He is described as one who has entirely monopolized Harlem. Ras speaks with a violent accent; his language is vulgar. He has a large enthusiastic audience. Ras is described as a 'short heavy figure as wide as the lobby'. He is opposed to anything white. Blacks are perceived and treated as people without history or an identity. Blacks are perceived and treated as invisible. Blacks are also perceived and treated as people who are violent; they are perceived and treated as people without moral values. They are also perceived and treated as people undeserving of anything progressive. Ras is violent. He is unaccommodating of other people's views. He opposes the narrator and Tod Clifton for working for the Brotherhood. Ras is unprogressive as this is seen in his control of the backward street illiterates of Harlem. He speaks of Mama Africa and draws from the African past to unrelated issues. Ras has low moral esteem. He is insensitive as exemplified in the last episode where he unleashes terror on the city of Harlem. Ras' portrayal justifies the extent of alienation suffered by the black man in the novel. It also demonstrates the major concern for black unity in the novel. It enhances the theme of violence. Ras' portrayal significantly contributes to the development of the theme of invisibility. It depicts the extreme struggle for visibility by the blacks.