'Invisible Man' Questions for Study and Discussion

Invisible Man is an important 20th-century novel by ​Ralph Ellison. What is the meaning of identity, and being invisible? What does the book have to say about society? About ideology? Here are a few questions for study and discussion, related to Invisible Man. 

Study Questions

• What is important about the title?
• What are the conflicts in Invisible Man? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional) are in this novel?
• How does Ralph Ellison reveal character in Invisible Man?
• What are some themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
• What are some symbols in Invisible Man? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
• Is the narrator consistent in his actions? Is he a fully developed character? Why do you think Ralph Ellison left the narrator unknown, absent and nameless (invisible)?
• Do you find the characters likable? Would you want to meet the characters?
• Does the novel end the way you expected? How? Why?
• What is the central/primary purpose of the story? Is the purpose important or meaningful?
• Is the narrator a strong (or weak) character? How? Why?
• How essential is the setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else? In any other time?
• What (if any) is the role of education in the novel?
• Why is Invisible Man controversial? Why has it been banned?
• How does Invisible Man relate to current society? Is the novel still relevant?
• Would you recommend this novel to a friend?