Research and read some of the work of Richard Wright. In what ways did Wright and Ellison differ in style and philosophy?

Investigate the ideology of the black power movement In what ways might Ellison's politics be scrutinized by organizations affiliated with this movement?

Consider Ellison's assertions about the ways jazz and blues are musical expressions of African- American culture. In what ways do more recent forms of music, such as rap and hip hop, express the African-American culture of today?

Choose a work by Twain or Faulkner that features an African-American character. Is the life of this character realistically portrayed?