American literature has long been noted for its outspokenness of controversial issues faced by its people. American authors are challenged with the task of bringing to the fore the face of these issues. The author, Ralph Waldo Ellison was born on March 1, 1914 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His prolific works include the highly acclaimed Invisble Man(battle Royal?), Shadow and Act, and numerous short stories. His illustrious honors range from the National Book Award, which he garnered in 1953, to the Medal of Freedom, received in 1969. Ellison has served as an inspiration to African American and fellow writers. His writings offered first hand experience into the eyes and minds of young Negroes in the cruel world. His use of surrealism astounded readers and brought the understanding of the Negro into the forefront of American culture.
             Ellison's life was not filled with struggle as (the Invisible Man) is. Nevertheless, in everyday life, racism is perceived as a negative aspect of society. I still remember from the movie, that he was slashed on his right eye, but the actual reason for it was probably racism from other whites that aboard the train. Towards, the end of the movie, he's scar was still oblivious at his old age. I can obviously see hatred, evil, and ignorance. It has been a part of world culture since recorded history and, no doubt, before that. When one thinks of racism in the United States, invariably, though not only, the struggle of the African American is singled out.
             In the early twentieth century, African Americans were forced to endure many prejudices and cruel discrimination although they had been declared free half a century earlier. Although not without prejudice, Ellison's life differed greatly from most African Americans of his time period.
             Ellison was brilliant - an accomplished trumpeter, photographer, furniture maker, and electrician. These traits help to represent the time period that Ellison lived...