Allusions week 2 (Tripp H.)

     Throughout the novel, Ellison infuses a bit of his own life, ideals and experiences.  One of these being purely his name, or rather the name of the man for whom he was named, Ralph Waldo Emerson.  Emerson is represented by Mr. Emerson, the one man who the invisible man actually has a shot at seeing for a job.  He is shot down in his hopes, and his eyes opened only by Mr. Emerson's son.  A furthered introduction and greater movement toward enlightenment and realization is brought upon by Emerson's son saying "Identity! My God!  Who has any identity anymore anyway?"  This is the point at which the invisible man starts to notice more and more how little his opinion is cared about, and how invisible he truly is.  This whole event is likely an allusion to Ellison's learning and influence from Emerson, and the sense of enlightenment that comes with his works.