Welcome to our discussion on characters from Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use” and Ralph Ellison’s “Invisible Man.” Choose one character from each story, compare them, and explore how they reflect larger cultural movements within the black community. Consider their potential interactions, agreements, or disagreements on socio-political issues at the time, and provide evidence from the text to support your claims.
Discussion Guidelines:
Step 1: Character Selection
Select one character from Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use” and one character from Ralph Ellison’s “Invisible Man” for comparison. Provide the names of the chosen characters and briefly explain why you selected them for this discussion.
Step 2: Comparison of Characters
Compare and contrast the selected characters in terms of their personalities, beliefs, actions, and roles within their respective narratives. Discuss how each character embodies or represents larger cultural movements within the black community during that era. Consider aspects such as racial identity, assimilation, activism, or reactions to societal expectations.
Imagine how these characters might interact if they were to meet. Discuss whether they would likely agree or disagree on socio-political issues prevalent at the time. Consider their perspectives, experiences, and attitudes as portrayed in the texts.