Invisible Man 4

Although it took me a bit, I realize now that the name Ellison gave to Reverend Homer A. Barbee is actually an allusion or reference to Homer, the famous Greek author. The fact that both the Reverend and Homer were blind strengthens my supposition. Interestingly, just as the Greek author Homer espoused the feats of great heroes in the Iliad and the Odyssey, Reverend Homer A. Barbee promoted the deeds of the college’s Founder as if he were some sort of god. In speaking of the Founder, the Reverend states “You have heard his name from your parents, for it was he who led them to the path, guiding them like a great captain” (p. 120). Ellison uses this allusion to Homer to make fun of the praise the college has bestowed upon its Founder almost as if he himself were Achilles or Odysseus. The fact that the Reverend’s grand oration occurs in church helps draw out the spoof on the god-like Founder.