Comparing Ideology In The Invisible Man And Harrison Bergeron

An ideology can create a path one is supposed to follow, using its teachings and ideas as guidelines. Having a basic belief system is an integral part of having a meaningful life, whether it follows a religion, political stance, or social issue. One’s purpose in life can be found by maintaining an ideology and expanding on it. This can be supported by the characters of three different literature pieces. Meursault in The Stranger, the narrator in The Invisible Man, and Harrison in the short story “Harrison Bergeron” each exemplify having ideologies and becoming who they are meant to be by following their ideas. Though Meursault is not one for truly believing in something, his ideas about life still show how he demonstrates an ideology. His …show more content…
He firmly believes his presence is not seen, and he believes others refuse to see him. He explains, “When they approach me they see only my surroundings, themselves, or figments of their imagination- indeed, everything and anything except me” (Ellison 3). This sense of invisibility and belief begins when he is mistreated by the white men of his town, but has to accept it in order to gain an opportunity for his education, and to find his purpose in life. White men such as Mr. Norton believe they are superior to the African Americans, because of their race. For Mr. Norton specifically, he also has his own personal ideology. He believes he is not prejudice and that he is kind and an humanitarian, because of the things he does for the college. He blindly believes he is a good person, when really his actions are for self-gain. He aims to fulfill his destiny and make himself feel better by trying to benefit society (Ellison 93). While the narrator’s ideology that he is invisible leads him to find meaning in his life, Mr. Norton’s ideology of doing charitable work for the college makes him believe he is finding purpose for his