Invisible Man: Chapters 24 - Epilogue

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

The photo above was taken the day after the Harlem race riot of 1943.

Ralph Ellison covered this event for the New York Post, and it inspired the riot scene in his novel, Invisible Man.

• Based on your knowledge of Ellison's fictionalized Harlem in the novel, what do you think might cause a riot in Harlem?

As you read 1943 Harlem Race Riot: What Happened?, answer the following questions in the notebook or journal you have kept for this series.

• What event became the catalyst for the riot?
• What damage occurred during the riot?
• How many citizens were killed by police during the riot?
• How many citizens and police officers were injured during the riot?
• How many officers, soldiers, and wardens were sent to Harlem to regain control of the area?
• What were some of the underlying causes of the riot?

After recording your answers, check them against the ones below.

• Why do you think the crowd believed Brandy had been killed?
• What other motives could the crowd have had for the riot?
• Why do you think the mayor responded with such a strong show of force?

Reflect on these questions briefly in your notebook or journal, then read the final section of Invisible Man: Chapter 24 – Epilogue.

Continue using the copy of the novel in the format you chose to complete this series of Related Lessons (right-hand sidebar). If you do not have access to the novel, you may download Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison from the Internet Archive.

As you read, take notes on any evidence you find about the Harlem Riot of 1943. You can use these notes to help you later in the lesson.

After you've finished the novel and taken your notes, move to the Got It? section to explore the details of these chapters.