In both Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby one of the central concepts that is implicit and similar in each is the “American Dream.” The “American Dream” is a concept that embodies the belief that if you work hard and play by the rules, you will experience success in American society regardless of birth, race, or religion. Both Jay Gatsby and the narrator of Invisible Man are denied the “American Dream” by forces beyond their control. However, the fortunes of both protagonists are in sharp contrast.
The “American Dream” is denied the protagonist in Invisible Man because of his race and color. He lives in a prejudiced society where he becomes a virtual non-person because of discrimination. As Ellison writes in the opening lines of the book, “I am an invisible man. I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me” (1). The story is of a trusting Southern African American who wants nothing more than to take his rightful place in society. However, as a black man this role is defined for him and limited by others.
We see in the story how social institutions (laws, education, politics, labor, etc.) reinforce African Americans as the “other” in a dominant white culture. Trying to play by the rules and work hard, the protagonist understands this promise is not meant for African Americans. So too, such a culture robs the narrator of his self-worth and serves to undermine his cultural identity and heritage. We see this when the narrator learns of his work suspension. He stumbles back to his office in shock and confusion, throws up, and then covers one of his eyes in order to regain his focus. This is symbolic of how the “American Dream” is only an illusion and remains beyond the reach of black vision. The protagonist unfortunately doubts his own abilities over this incident and believes he is responsible, “Somehow, I convinced myself, I ...