Communism is a social system characterized by the absence of classes and by ownership of the means of production and subsistence, political, economic, and social doctrine aiming at the establishment of such a society. Communism is an attempt to control or limit society by making everybody equal, no person is more important than the whole, and every person has a designated role in society. American communism is basically the same concept. The American Communist Party was founded in 1919 after a breakup of the socialist party. Even though communism promises a perfect society, Ellison shows that communism hurts people, especially through racism. Throughout the entire novel, communism is portrayed whether we recognize it or not. The whole idea that everyone is equal gives away the communism being portrayed. People should not be characterized by color, race, ethical, or financial status, but recognized by their individuality. One has to find his or her own self before anybody else can begin to understand them.

Throughout the whole book, the invisible man searches for his own true identity. Why was he put on this earth, and what was he supposed to accomplish? Once he discovers who

Ellison, Ralph. Invisible Man. New York: Random House, Inc. 1952.

In the final chapter, the invisible man notices the power of the people as a whole. Each individual standing alone has no power or impact on society, but if everyone get together they make a loud bang, and people listen. For example, alone nobody could make a change, therefore the Brotherhood was formed and made an astounding impact on society. Brother Jack was actually against the whole idea of communism. He used the invisible man and also the people of Harlem to advance the Brotherhood and therefore earn more power for himself. In a major way he is thinking of his own needs before the entire community's needs. According to author Ernest Kaiser, the Brotherhood is a direct form of a communist movement.

The main point of this novel is to try to stop everyone from thinking of themselves, and to start thinking about society. It's trying to teach to not worry so much about color, race, ethics, and financial status, and to start worrying about the community and its surroundings. All of the individual characteristics don't mean a thing in a communist society anyway. There is no such belief as an individual, but instead a belief of a whole. The society comes first, not yourself or anybody else. One is more likely to reach a goal if they receive guidance from others, rather then trying to accomplish the goal alone. An idea is just an idea, most of the time, when you're alone, but with a group, results come a lot easier. I agree with the concept Ellison was trying to get across. Communism can be an ideal society in some people's eyes, but a living hell in others. Individuality is a great characteristic to acquire, but in order to reach a set goal or to make a difference in society, one must have a large support group.

Later in the novel, the Brotherhood makes a slight change in their goals. The organization has changed from focusing only on local issues to focusing on national issues. This shows that gradually communism is growing throughout the novel. It started out locally, and is starting to become a national way of life.

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Approximate Word count = 1519
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)