The Struggle for Adulthood in a Racist World in "The Man Who Was Almost a Man" & Chapter 1 of The Invisible Man
Form groups of four and choose two of the following to discuss in your group. For each one you choose to discuss, find relevant passages that address the questions youíve chosen.
1. In both stories, what are the key symbols associated with each protagonist regarding his manhood? Do you see any similarities between the two?
2. In each story there are father figures. Find the passages that show how each protagonist is tormented by what the father/grandfather says. Does the torment help or hurt the protagonists?
3. How does each protagonist delude himself into thinking that he is succeeding on the road to manhood?
4. How does each protagonist rebel or attempt to rebel against the forces against him? Why do they step back from outright rebellion?
All groups answer these questions:
Which story do you prefer and why?
Do you see any parallels between these stories and your own lives?
Are the truths expressed in these stories still true today? How would you express those truths?