"Invisibility" in Native Son
Invisibility has already become a key topic in Invisible Man . The reason for the Narrator's invisibility, and the Narrators understanding of his place in society as an invisible man, are the key questions that the book seeks to answer. Native Son , however, has no mention of invisibility. In fact, it seems to seek to be as visible as possible. Bigger is constantly under the microscope while he's in the white neighborhoods. He is also aware of this, and he, almost instinctively, tries to be as invisible as possible. He wonders if every action will make him more seen by the whites, or less. After the murder, while he is being interrogated by Britten, Bigger seems to realize that he has the ability to make himself somewhat invisible. The shock of this murder, combined with his previous bias, clouds the judgement of Britten and Mr. Dalton. Bigger is able to redirect the spotlight onto Jan. This "power" goes to Bigger's head. He convinces himself that he is a stone co...