Journey Week 2

In chapter 6, the Invisible Man is sent on a journey to New York; but this is not by choice. Dr. Bledsoe sends him there, "I want you to go to New York for the summer and save your pride-" (144) This is significant because it is the beginning of a new experience for the narrator and at this point in the novel he is not the biggest fan of Dr. Bledsoe because he realizes that he is not looking for black improvement on the campus. The IM blatantly states that he though Bledsoe has the best in mind for him "But I know whats best for me, Or atleast Dr. Bledsoe does." (189) This is disproven once he reaches NY and reads the final recommendation letter for a potential job and sees that Bledsoe was trying to release him without pain. This landed the IM no where because the letters were dishonest and a form of tyranny.I believe the letters were a turning point in the IM's overall journey and life because it is a clear sign that he can not rely on other people to get him ahead in life but he must be self-reliant and fend for himself. It gives him a push over the edge and to his lowest point that only causes him to build up pride and confidence to keep moving on and proving the doubters wrong. Thus, he takes Emerson's advice and without a letter of recommendation or phone call "I happen to know of a possible job at Liberty Paints. My father... " "I shut the door" (192), the IM goes on his own to land a job the next day at Liberty Paints.