#21

[Rita]

Hi,

Could you please explain why B is the correct answer? I thought the passage indicated that the themes of identity and character were influenced by jazz. Is the idea that jazz didn't necessarily motivate Ellison, it just provides a context for understanding his work?

Thanks,
Rita

[Jonathan Evans]

Hi, Rita,

Great question, and you're on the right track.

The passage does provide evidence that Ellison "loved" and "celebrated" jazz. However, the author of the passage otherwise uses characteristics of jazz as an extended metaphor or framework through which to understand themes in The Invisible Man, not as an influence per se on The Invisible Man.

You got it!

[hfsports429]

Hi,

Just wanted to get a quick clarification regarding answer D. What specific literary tradition is mentioned? The only support I could find was in lines 47-50: "Ellison's explorations in the novel, often in the manner of loving caricature," of the ideas left him by both European and African American predecessors..."

[Emily Haney-Caron]

Hi hfsports429,

Yep, you got it. It isn't very specific, but that's the line the answer choice means! Good job finding it.