The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison is a monumental novel earning its place in American Fiction history, and it has been written about and analyzed since its publication in 1952. The story is about a young black college student struggling to survive and to succeed in a racially divided society that refuses to see him as a human being. Told in the first person this novel traces the narrator’s physical and psychological journey from what the author says is, “ purpose to passion to perception.” Throughout the novel Ellison brings up the issues of racial inequality in American society, however he does not appeal gender equality and describes the females in a very stereotypical way, which can be seen through analysis of the few female characters …show more content…
Norton after their encounter with Trueblood. Ellison failed to give a first name a majority of the black female prostitutes, which gave them no identify showing us their social position and lack of individuality. Edna, Charlene, are Hester were some of the only females who were given names, hut they were still dehumanized due to their profession as prostitutes. All of their conversations focus on the clients, more specifically the white ones. After Mr. Norton fainted, one of the prostitutes pointed out that Edna likes black men. Edna said, “I sho do. I just love ‘ em…”(75). This helped express her fondness for rich white men. The name of the second prostitute, Charlene was revealed when the owner of the Golden Day called her over and said, “ We got white folks in the house”(71), which he was referring to Mr. Norton. The final prostitutes name was revealed when she said to Mr. Norton, “ How is white folks making out? White folks, baby you done come too” (79). This is yet another example of the power asserted over the black community, and it shows the invisibility imposed on females. The narrator and the prostitutes share the same invisibility in a way, because the more dominant whites have imposed it on them. They also share the same concern for whites, as well as the belief that whites are superior. However, unlike the narrator, the prostitutes are not actively seeking to gain recognition from Mr. Norton, instead they just acknowledge his presence. They do not seem to believe that Mr. Norton’s acceptance will improve their social