Allusions week 5- Tripp Hemker

     In the last section of the book, the invisible man again encounters ras, but this time he is calling himself "ras the destroyer".  Ras is both a visionary and a prophet in the novel, and has a view based around self reliance, much like that of Ralph Waldo Emerson.  In this section, he serves as a guide to the invisible man, and a spark for the riots and chaos in Harlem.  While Ras is very similar to several black nationalists like Marcus Garvey, in this section, Ras is a direct allusion to Shiva, the destroyer and judge.  Ras has gone mad, much like with the untamed passion of Shiva and plans to get rid of the invisible man, and to destroy the brotherhood, both of which he despises and opposes the views of.  In this aspect, Ras has started the violence that is to build and destroy all.  Like with Shiva, this not all in vain.  All of this violence will lead to reconstruction and rebirth.  The tenants of the burned building will find a new, safer home to live in, the brotherhood will likely rebuilt, and most importantly, the Invisible man will grow from his escape and increase his level of understanding how and why everything works and exists as it does.  While Ras does not necessarily cause all of the violence, he is responsible for the violence as well as the chance that some have to revolt, find new homes, and get a new view on life.