Many people travel through life on a constant search on who there are and how they fit into this world. Some maneuver through situations and issues that they are faced with never being true to themselves, but more so modeling the behaviors of others. It is not until one defines their self-image, obtain a healthy amount of self-esteem, and confidence can they execute decisions concerning their lives. Until then, their actions are merely mimics or derivatives of the thoughts or beliefs of another. In Ralph Ellison's novel Invisible Man, the nameless protagonist does not possess a definite sense of self, which results in his living his life for others.

Primarily, the invisible man emulates his life after other people. The first example of this is how he behaves like his grandfather. On his deathbed the invisible man's grandfather tells him to "to keep up the good fight"(Ellison16). Following this he was always doing what was right and was "considered an example of desired conduct-just as [his] grandfather had been"(Ellison 17). Once the invisible man goes off to college he begins to

After years and years of portraying others thoughts and beliefs he accepts "That I am nobody but myself."(Ellison 15). It took him years to understand that some people live their whole life never knowing who they are and he was one of those people. Happy and content with his subterraneous lifestyle the invisible man begins to live a life true to himself.

Furthermore, retreating underground was the best decision the invisible man made. Underground is where he finally realizes that he has no identity "is the way it has always been" (Ellison 566) and that his life was merely a farce. He realizes that other people controlled his whole life: from his grandfather's death; to driving Mr. Norton; to being expelled from college by Dr. Bledsoe; to being a member of " "The Brotherhood". He understands that he was never given a chance to think for himself and develop an identity befitting him:

Invisible Man is a dynamic novel that many people can relate to today. Myriads of people are on a continuous search for their identity and purpose. This process has been conquered by some; however, many never discover or develop to their full potential. The lesson of this novel, however, is that seeking a strong self-definition is essential, while keeping in mind to not let outside agents determine that definition. This novel is one that I would recommend to all of my friends because while following the path that the invisible man takes to self-discover, I realized that many of us are on the same trail of discovery. Invisible Man highlights and emphasizes the significance in having a strong self-identity to live a productive and satisfying life.

My problem was that I always tried to go in everyone's way but my own. I have also been called one thing and then another while no one really wished to hear what I called myself. So after many years of trying to adopt the opinion of others I finally rebelled. (Ellison 573)

act in a manner to please Mr. Norton. Not only does Mr. Norton not identify with the invisible man racially, he views blacks as "a mark on the scoreboard of [h

Some common words found in the essay are:
Rinehart ReverendEllison, Bledsoe Brotherhood, Harlem DistrictEllison, Ralph Ellison's, True Thyself, Dr Bledsoe, Brotherhood Brotherhood, Norton Norton, , invisible begins, dr bledsoe, invisible man's, myself questions answer, live life, identity invisible, develop identity, self-esteem confidence, looking myself, myself questions, looking myself questions, questions answer,
Approximate Word count = 1405
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)