In chapter eleven, the Invisible Man lacks power. Laying in the factory hospital after the explosion, the Invisible Man cannot understand speech, has lost his own ability to speak, and has lost any recollection of his identity. There were a few instances when the IM was able to speak, yet he was powerless as his pleads and questions went ignored by the doctors. On page 235 while sitting in the chair, the Invisible Man insists “But I need more room,” only to be told “You’ll get used to it after a while.” Later, we can see that even the Invisible Man himself knows he is not in control when he asks “What are you going to do with me?” to which the nurse responds “No questions,” (244). Her response proves that she has knowledge that the Invisible Man does not, and she is therefore in control.
Additionally, the doctors are the ones with the power to determine the procedure. During a small debate over which procedure is best, one assistant doctor suggests “Why not castration, doctor?” (236). Although this idea is turned down, to suggest the removal of the reproductive organs of a male in the first place is to suggest the ultimate stripping of power. Not only does it disable a man from engaging in sexual activity with women, it robs him of his masculinity. The doctor in charge ends up getting his way, however, and the electrical shock method is decided upon. As the electrocution takes place and the Invisible Man is shaking with pain, one doctor notes with a laugh “They really do have rhythm, don't they? Get hot, boy! Get hot!” (237). The doctors laughing at IM as he lay helpless in pain illustrates not only the IM’s lack of power, but also the idea that whites often use black suffering as a source of their entertainment, connecting back to the electrical rug scene of the Battle Royal.
Chapter 12
In chapter 12, we are introduced to a character who plays a very important role, Mary Rambo. While walking down the streets of Harlem, the IM faints and Mary rushes over to help him. Even while a police officer orders bystanders to move along, Mary remains over-top of the IM insisting that he stay with her at her house since the Men’s House was not an appropriate place for him to be in his current condition. By her resisting the officer’s commands, we are already shown that Mary is a strong and powerful black woman. Mary contributes a short instance of oratory in this chapter on page 252. The most relevant quote she contributes is on page 253, saying to the IM "you black as me and white as a sheet". When bringing him into her arms, she sees that his problem isn't solely his health, but also his identity struggle with being a black man. She refuses to let him leave her home until well-rested and fed, caring for him as a mother. Mary, with “flowered hips” (251), represents Mary the virgin mother of Jesus Christ. Her genuine motherly concern for the IM, a man she has never met before, represents her power, being able to effectively care for him with him not having much of a choice. Once again, we see that the person orating has the most power in the scene.
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