Abstract

This essay shows how Ellison secularizes the notion of the Fortunate Fall— vis-à-vis Genesis, Revelation, Augustine, and Milton—in order to deepen his novel’s characterization and socio-political meaning in relation to American history and its flawed founding and early fallenness based on slavery and racism. Gradually, the Invisible Man develops a potentially fortunate vision of his own life and American democracy, blending realism that respects diversity, division, and responsibility and idealism that seeks secular ( i.e. , broadly political) forms of transcendence.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call