The Color Red in Invisible Man

In the Norton-Expulsion part of Invisible Man, the color red is a recurring motif. Red often connotes fire, blood, sins, passion, lust, power and family. Therefore, the color red is a significant symbol in this novel. More specifically, the color red in the chapters 2 to 9 helps to indicate the sinful and lustful characters. First, Mr. Norton is revealed to be a sinful and dishonest character. Therefore, Ellison purposefully identifies him with the color red. For example, Ellison describes that “his face reddened” when he learned of Trueblood’s crime (49). Also, Norton is described to possess “a red Moroccan-leather wallet” which emphasizes the color red in Norton’s life (69). Norton is associated with the color red probably due to the assumption that he committed the same crime that Trueblood committed. I became extremely suspicious of Norton when he described his daughter in a lustful manner. He states that “her beauty was a well-spring of purest water-of-life, and to look upon her was to drink and drink and drink again” (42). The diction of drink connotes a strong desire to consume something so it ominously foreshadows Norton’s sinful character. Moreover, he looks at Trueblood “with something like envy and indignation” which raises the suspicion further. Why else would he be jealous of Trueblood who got away with a heinous crime? Secondly, the color red depicts Jim Trueblood as a sinful individual. Even his name contains the word “blood” which is an indicator of violence or lust. As we know, Trueblood is an individual who committed a crime against his own daughter. He took advantage of his daughter’s vulnerability and innocence while also destroying his relationship with his wife. He then continues to defend himself by saying that he “dropped into the dream” (57). Obviously, he is trying to escape reality by creating an illusion. He is an epitome of a sinful character since he violated the trust and love of a family. The word “blood” in his name is more closely related to sin and evil not love and family. The last character that is often associated with the color red is Dr. Bledsoe. Like Trueblood, Bledsoe’s name contains the past term of the word “blood.” Bledsoe is a cunning and immoral character who always puts his interests first. He claims that he is “still the king down here” which depicts his strong desire to maintain his power (142). He also makes this controversial statement that I can never forget. He states “I’ll have every Negro in the country hanging on tree limbs by morning if it means staying where I am” (143). Bledsoe refuses to acknowledge other people’s hardships making him a selfish and power hungry individual. Therefore, he commits a sin by masking his true self. He lies to his family, friends, and students in order to maintain his desires and power. It seems like all these characters negatively impact the narrator due to their sinful nature. Yet, I must also point out that they represent reality that the narrator needs for growth.