The nature of humanity often masks and distorts an individual's concept of their true identity. By creating unique and controversial symbolic objects, Ralph Ellison conveys this notion in his novel The Invisible Man. Ellison uses the symbolic objects such as the briefcase, bank, and Sambo doll to demonstrate the idea that human stereotypes, different ideologies, and an individual's past control personal identity. However, it is possible to discover one's identity only by renouncing interaction with these aspects of life. The briefcase has an inconsistent meaning throughout the novel. Awarded as a reward for his triumphs, the narrator first sees this object as a sentimental representation of his greatest successes and future desires. He states: “My fingers trembling, I obeyed, smelling the cool skin of an official-looking document inside. It was a scholarship to the state college for Negroes. My eyes filled with tears and I ran clumsily off the floor,” to show how the briefcase stimulates his emotional epiphany of his dreams within reach (Ellison 32). Telling the narrator that he should “think of it as a badge of office ” and that the briefcase “.will be full of important documents that will help shape the destiny of your people,” the superintendent and the Board of Education present the idea that the storyteller can make a difference in society, as long as it happens in the their circumstances (Ellison 32). This incident allows Ellison to portray the idea that society applies labels to individuals to manipulate them into complying with specific structures and orders. However, near the novel's conclusion, the narrator realizes that his past, including cultural history and personal events, holds him back from... middle of the paper... actions, names, and surroundings. Ideologies help explore different values ​​and morals, but society cannot prove that one is better than another. Yes, every individual may have different opinions and beliefs, but they will only find happiness if they focus on their own thoughts instead of fighting a never-ending battle towards a perfect society. Through the symbolic objects of the briefcase, the bank, and the Sambo Doll, Ellison illustrates the idea that numerous thoughts and ideas attempt to possess a person's morals, decisions, and personal thoughts. Individuals can find true identity only by accepting differences and focusing on what they believe to be the perfect combination of morals and personal beliefs. If people continue to seek a perfect society and avoid alienating themselves from external influences, identity and contentment will continue to be a mystery.