Recently in class we've been discussing philosophy, philosophers, and how to apply their ideals and beliefs to literature, specifically Invisible Man and Native Son. I myself read Invisible Man and found that the ideas behind existentialism were most applicable to the text. I felt that the author was most trying to argue something beyond the typical "racism is wrong" idea--the use of existentialist beliefs allows the author of the novel to argue that, before one can begin to step forward and stand for something (in this case, the "racism is wrong" idea), that person must be able to know themselves as an individual. So much of what was wrong with the narrator in this novel was the fact that he was pushed around by others--especially by the Brotherhood. He was unable to make decisions for himself, and this caused major problems, which is why he eventually ended up underground. By placing the narrator underground and in total solitude, the author is allowing the narrator to develop as an individual, an important part of the individualist beliefs in existentialism.
- Geena
As we started discussing philosophies and religion, it made me realize that there are thousands around the world that we don't often hear about. Christianity is very common and almost every single person knows about it but what about Buddhism? Millions of people still practice these beliefs and we hear almost nothing about it. If someone is looking for a practice to be involved in, they should know that there are many more options than the christian and catholic churches you see on every corner. -Richard H
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