The concept of descent is an important and central theme in Invisible Man.
It is represented in this passage through allusions to Dante, Plato, and
Jesus Christ. It is necessary to realize that descent is not portrayed
in a negative light. Descent confers knowledge on the individual.
It also serves to free the individual, in some cases.
The most
important thing to recognize is that Ellison does not utilize figures that
only descend. Ellison uses figures that not only descend but also
rise again. The Invisible Man’s descent implies future ascension.
Ellison thus, creates a circle. In the epilogue the reader sees that
the Invisible Man will resurrect and ‘come full circle’.
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