Ralph Ellison and the Raft of Hope

Book excerpt: “This superb [essay] collection enables readers of Invisible Man to appreciate the subtleties of its cultural and political commentary.” —Journal of American Studies An important collection of original essays that examine how Ellison’s landmark novel, Invisible Man (1952), addresses the social, cultural, political, economic, and racial contradictions of America. Commenting on the significance of Mark Twain’s writings, Ralph Ellison wrote that “a novel could be fashioned as a raft of hope, perception and entertainment that might help keep us afloat as we tried to negotiate the snags and whirlpools that mark our nation’s vacillating course toward and away from the democratic ideal.” Ellison believed it was the contradiction between America’s “noble ideals and the actualities of our conduct” that inspired the most profound literature?”the American novel at its best.” Drawing from the fields of literature, politics, law, and history, the contributors make visible the political and ethical terms of Invisible Man , while also illuminating Ellison’s understanding of democracy and art. Ralph Ellison and the Raft of Hope uniquely demonstrates why Invisible Man stands as a premier literary meditation on American democracy. “Essential reading for anyone interested in understanding Ellison’s political thought.” —Lawrence Jackson, author of Ralph Ellison: Emergence of Genius “Outstanding. . . . Provides an interdisciplinary perspective of the politics of the book.” —Lexington Herald-Leader “These essays . . . demonstrate that a great work of art has the capacity to renew itself across generations.” —Pamela K. Jensen, Kenyon College “This careful study of Ellison’s great novel is highly recommended for all serious students of American and African American literature.” —African American Review