Theme
Identity
The most important theme in the novel is of identity and how society and an environment impact such an identity. As to whether or not an identity is self-contained or dependent on an environment, it cannot be entirely understood. The point is that a dichotomy does not and should not exist. Rather, the advocacy is an alternative, and a passive acceptance of the identity not that is imposed, but rather that is formed. In fact, through his belittlement of the complexities of other people, the narrator confirms that there is not an easy answer without contradiction.
"I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me," the narrator suggests. He speaks about his lack of visibility as being something that is imposed on him. Whether or not it is consentual it is questionable. Initially, he suggests that his invisibility is a tool. He says, "I am not complaining, nor am I protesting either. It is sometimes advantageous to be unseen, although it is most often rather wearing on the nerves." In saying so, he confirms that their advantages to disappearing within society, as he does not have to face confrontation with the social problems that come with having an identity imposed on you via a stereotype. He does say that the indulgence in invisibility has its nuances. "And I love light. Perhaps you'll think it strange that an invisible man should need light, desire light, love light. But maybe it is exactly because I am invisible. Light confirms my reality, gives birth to my form." It is this that gives the novel complexity, and forces the reader to acknowlege that an identity is more than an absolute. As detached as one can be from everything, superficial confrimation is a human desire, and therefore the identity is confirmed to remain a critical element of human progress.
"I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me," the narrator suggests. He speaks about his lack of visibility as being something that is imposed on him. Whether or not it is consentual it is questionable. Initially, he suggests that his invisibility is a tool. He says, "I am not complaining, nor am I protesting either. It is sometimes advantageous to be unseen, although it is most often rather wearing on the nerves." In saying so, he confirms that their advantages to disappearing within society, as he does not have to face confrontation with the social problems that come with having an identity imposed on you via a stereotype. He does say that the indulgence in invisibility has its nuances. "And I love light. Perhaps you'll think it strange that an invisible man should need light, desire light, love light. But maybe it is exactly because I am invisible. Light confirms my reality, gives birth to my form." It is this that gives the novel complexity, and forces the reader to acknowlege that an identity is more than an absolute. As detached as one can be from everything, superficial confrimation is a human desire, and therefore the identity is confirmed to remain a critical element of human progress.