This is my second time re-reading Invisible Man so I feel like I am better able to "catch the jazz rhythm" since I really don't have to focus on the story. I think its interesting how during certain scenes the activity builds and builds and builds until a "peak" like in music. Then it goes back down but the activity picks up again soon and it is like a never ending cycle. Ellison put so many distinctive little episodes in the novel that it could almost seem TOO full except that he ties them together beautifully. I didn't realize until after class Tuesday and our discussion on jazz music that this is sort of like what jazz musicians do. Many people do not like jazz because "it's just a big jumble" but if you listen to old recordings there is definitely an undulating pattern that correlates to Ellison's writing style.
The particular scene that sticks out in this week's reading is when the old people are being kicked out of their apartment. It starts off intense, with the narrator not knowing what is happening but a large crowd gathering. Then it calms down a little as the narrator is speaking and then picks back up again as everyone rushes into the apartment building with the couple's things. The scene is extremely tense when the narrator is running across the rooftops and when Brother Jack taps him on the shoulder. Then it calms down again in time for them to drink coffee and eat cheesecake. This showed to me the undulating patterns many music pieces have.