Vocabulary in Invisible Man

A ghost or phantom. Here the narrator uses it to distance himself from supernatural invisibility, insisting he is a real, physical person, not a spirit haunting the imagination.

A supposed ghostly substance believed to ooze from the bodies of mediums during séances; used here to mean a transparent, unreal movie ghost, something without solid physical existence.

To put thoughts or feelings into clear, precise words. The narrator struggles to express his inner truth in a way others will accept or understand.

Too trusting and lacking experience of how the world really works; easily deceived because one does not yet see hidden motives or dangers.

Formed a clear mental picture of something; imagined a future version of oneself in a specific role or position.

A person who holds a position of financial or administrative responsibility for an institution such as a college, typically a wealthy donor who sits on its governing board.

A future outcome that seems fixed or inevitable, as though determined by forces beyond one's own choices. Here it describes the inescapable power relationship between Black people and white patrons.

The living embodiment or perfect human example of an abstract quality or idea. Here it means the narrator is seen as the walking symbol of negation and worthlessness.

A derogatory slang term for a Black person, used here by Dr. Bledsoe himself in a moment of cynical self-awareness about the performance of deference he puts on for white people.

Needing no outside confirmation or approval to feel certain of itself; internally confident without requiring praise or permission from others.

Providing its own reasons for existing or acting without needing to answer to anyone else; a quality Bledsoe attributes to true power, which makes its own rules.

Officially forced out of a school or institution as punishment, with no right to return. The narrator is removed from his college by Dr. Bledsoe for bringing a white trustee to forbidden parts of campus.

The person physically carrying and presenting a document such as a letter; the one who delivers it to the intended recipient.

The brand name of Liberty Paints' signature product, a brilliant white paint whose slogan — 'If It's Optic White, It's the Right White' — carries a racial meaning about what society treats as pure or correct.

A sticky, messy, unidentified liquid or semi-liquid substance. Here it refers to the paint chemicals that cover the narrator after the mixing process goes wrong.

Strong, often toxic gases or vapors given off by chemicals or burning materials, which can cause dizziness, nausea, or unconsciousness when inhaled.

Stiff and unyielding, impossible to bend or move. Used here to describe the cold, hard chair in the factory hospital, reinforcing the clinical, dehumanizing atmosphere.

A long period of inactivity and withdrawal from the world, like an animal sleeping through winter. The narrator uses it to describe his underground retreat as a necessary pause before re-engaging with society.

Drew off or diverted a supply of something — here electricity — from a source without authorization; tapped into a system illegally to take what one needs.

Done without preparation or planning, made up on the spot in response to an unexpected situation. The narrator's street speech is unplanned but powerful enough to attract the Brotherhood's attention.

A racist caricature of a Black man as grinning, subservient, and foolish, used historically to demean Black people. Here it names the puppet doll Tod Clifton sells, which the narrator finds deeply disturbing.

Having a powerful, magnetic personal charm that naturally attracts followers and inspires enthusiasm in others. Used to describe Tod Clifton's compelling presence within the Brotherhood.

A formal speech given at a funeral or memorial that praises and honors the person who has died. The narrator delivers one for Tod Clifton without Brotherhood approval, which angers the leadership.

A person who urgently and passionately urges others to take action or adopt a cause; a public agitator or preacher-like speaker who stirs up a crowd.

A situation in which two things that cannot both be true exist at the same time. The narrator's contradiction is that he is physically real and present yet socially treated as if he does not exist.