The Idea of the Hypersexual Black Male in the Invisible Man Essay

In the Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, the narrators view of women is generally pessimistic. His prohibit view of women is also reflected by women, specifically of Caucasian ethnicity. Their societal depiction of black men considers them to be hypersexual objects and incapable of anything else. Emma, Brother Huberts wife, and Sybil, are three women in particular who possess negative character flaws that allow the narrator to deem them unworthy. Emmas tremendous dominance give the impression of being unapproachable while Brother Huberts wifes infidelity and ability to control confuses him and finally, Sybils decadence makes her appear sloppy. All of these flaws are used to reduce the narrator to a sexual irradiation at the expense of his intellect.The first woman seen is Emma, a Brotherhood employee, who is perceived to be very powerful and demeaning toward the narrator although physically attracted to him. She engages in hold in dialog which, I believe is intended to paint her as diminutive however she is described as smartly dressed with a hard, handsome nervus (300). Her...