Invisible Man

The protagonist rides the bus to New York, accompanied on the first part of his journey by the veteran from the Golden Day who finally revived Mr. Norton and his attendant. The veteran is being transferred from the college town’s psychiatric hospital to one in Washington DC. The veteran banters with his attendant and advises the protagonist to leave powerful White men like Mr. Norton alone. When he reaches Harlem, where he intends to get lodgings at a men’s boarding house, the protagonist is amazed by the number of Black people in a northern city and the ease and confidence with which they mingle with White people. He finds the boarding house and concludes, “I would have to take Harlem a little at a time” (161).

The protagonist begins making his rounds through the city with the letters of recommendation from Dr. Bledsoe. Everywhere he goes, the letters are taken in to the men they are addressed to, but the protagonist is never allowed to meet with them. He becomes impatient and worried about connecting with the trustees, frustrated by the numerous refusals and concerned about his dwindling savings.