Had the price of looking been blindness, I would have looked

Had the price of looking been blindness, I would have looked

In the context of Ralph Ellison's work, particularly his seminal novel "Invisible Man," the quote "Had the price of looking been blindness, I would have looked" takes on a profound and complex meaning. Ellison's exploration of race, identity, and invisibility in American society is deeply rooted in the act of looking and being seen. The protagonist of "Invisible Man" grapples with the tension between being seen and being invisible, between being defined by others and defining oneself.

The quote speaks to the protagonist's relentless pursuit of self-discovery and self-definition, even in the face of potential danger or harm. It reflects his willingness to confront the harsh realities of the world around him, even if it means sacrificing his own safety or well-being. The protagonist's journey is one of constant observation and introspection, as he navigates a society that seeks to render him invisible and voiceless.

Ellison's use of the metaphor of blindness in this quote is particularly striking. Blindness is often associated with ignorance or lack of awareness, but in this context, it represents a different kind of seeing. The protagonist is willing to risk losing his sight in order to truly see and understand the world around him. He is willing to confront the darkness and uncertainty that comes with looking deeply into the complexities of his own identity and the society in which he exists.

The quote also speaks to the theme of visibility and invisibility that runs throughout Ellison's work. The protagonist of "Invisible Man" is constantly grappling with the ways in which he is seen or unseen by others, and the ways in which he sees or fails to see himself. The act of looking becomes a powerful tool for self-discovery and empowerment, even as it exposes him to the harsh realities of racism and oppression.

Overall, the quote "Had the price of looking been blindness, I would have looked" encapsulates the central themes of visibility, self-discovery, and empowerment in Ralph Ellison's work. It speaks to the protagonist's unwavering commitment to seeking truth and understanding, even in the face of adversity. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of looking beyond the surface and confronting the complexities of the world around us, even when the cost may be high.