In the novel, Invisible Man, Ralph Ellison uses several images and metaphors to reinforce his theme of the invisibility of man, most especially the minority black man. The symbolism found in the novel, which reinforces the theme, allow for a subtle reminder of the worth of the human individual.

In the novel, some vivid images are conveyed through the invisible man's daily routine. Some of the most powerful symbols come at a time of transition for the invisible man. When he gets a job working at Liberty Paints, the invisible man is surrounded by striking images, which reinforce the theme. First, the slogan for Liberty Paint's most popular color, white, is a bombastic symbol. "If it's Optic White, It's the Right White." This statem

This statement suggests that the white man is smothering and suffocating the black man. The white completely engulfs the black. The only way to prove it is not completely white is to crack open the white to get to the black center. During this era, the oppressive white man muffles the soul and voice of the black man. Only by searching for the thoughts of the black man, can someone find out what they think. Otherwise, they are told what to think by the white man.

Our white is so white you can painta chunka

ent could not be more obvious. The statement, "the Right White" reinforces the miniscule worth of the black man in that era in society. White as the standard for being white simply degrades all the other colors.

While the novel is filled with rich symbols that reinforce the central theme, Libe

Some common words found in the essay are:
Liberty Paints, Lucius Brockway, Ralph Ellison, It's White, Liberty Paint's, liberty paints, reinforce theme, white paint, Theme Invisible, liberty paints invisible, job liberty paints, white statement, paints invisible, invisible mixed, black drops, job liberty, white black,
Approximate Word count = 544
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)