Many novels dealing with invisibility provide an elaborate scientific or pseudoscientific explanation for a character's invisibility. Others use some kind of supernatural rationale. Instead of either choice, Berger simply describes Fred Wagner's invisibility as the result of a gift or talent which he develops. It might be useful, however, to compare and contrast Berger's novel with science fiction novels such as H. G. Wells's The Invisible Man and fantasy novels such as J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit.

The novel also illustrates how different people appear to us when they believe themselves to be acting freely outside of our observation. Berger's novel provides ample evidence of the way people behave when they do not believe they are being watched.

1. What has been the nature of Fred Wagner's life before he develops his talent for making himself invisible?

2. Describe the relationship between Wagner and his wife before...