Numerology

Ralph Ellison’s usage of numerology in Invisible Man helps the reader to understand the main character, the narrator, more as well as add to the development of the plot. But numerology has a large history, one that dates back to before Christ’s time. It was made popular by Pythagoras. Numerology is the study of the supposed mystical relationship between numbers and the character or action of physical objects or living things.

Pythagoras was a Greek mathematician. He is most notably remembered for the Pythagorean Theorem, which deals with the sum of the areas of the two squares on the legs of equals the area of the square on the hypotenuse. But he also studied in numerology, though it is not considered to be mathematics anymore, but pseudo-mathematics, which is mathematics like activities that are studied mainly by non-mathematicians. It is divided up into three different categories: 1. attempting to solve classically impossible math problems. 2. Generating new theories in math or logic, from scratch. 3. Taking on difficult math problems with only pre-calculus knowledge. Numerology falls under number two obviously, as do the evolution of the word astrology to astronomy and alchemy to chemistry.

The relationship between numbers can be quite fascinating. Numerology mainly deals with the numbers 1-13, as well as 22. Each number has a few positives, but correlates with a few balancing negatives. The number one is considered very powerful and representative of beginnings and power. It is the starting point of all numerical systems, every numerical system, has a number one of some form. It’s considered absolute, the origin, as well as a monotheistic deity. It can be loving, dynamic, charismatic and happy. On the flip side though, the number one can mean selfish, even egotistical, this is quite apparent with some individuals who reach first place in races or contests; or in another sense with the first born child.

The number two is a little bit trickier. It can represent partnership, invoking the “there’s no “I” in team” ideology almost, by representing teamwork. But on the other hand it can mean polarities or opposites: such as black and white, good and evil, male and female, left and right; one cannot exist without the other. A good representation of the number two is the Ying-Yang symbol, showing the opposites and how they correspond with each other. Two can be considered the feminine side, very protective as well. But it also can be interpreted as over protective and cranky. The crankiness is as a result of dissatisfaction from being denied first.

The number three solves the problems found with the number two. It promotes new integration and wholeness. An example would be the divisions of the human: mind, body, and spirit. Three is considered a lucky number, associated with money and good fortune. It also represents expression, such as acting, drama, or humor. Three represents wisdom and understanding, but at the same time it represents pessimism and foolishness. It can also be seen as demonic and unnatural since no animal in the world walks on three legs.

For the novel Invisible Man, the division of the light bulb count in the narrators room, comes up with 13 and 69. As we discussed in class the symbolization of the number 69 has sexual connotation. The 69 position is the pleasure of both genitalia orally at the same time without penetration of the vaginal area, in an interlocking embrace. The numbers 6 and 9 are the same form, and so they lock together and can be converged. Separately though, the number 6 stands for beauty and harmony. It represents relationship building and progression. It relies heavily on what individuals are attracted to and possesses charm, grace, and is very diplomatic. It’s nurturing, so it is considered the mothering or fathering number. But on the contrast, it is often seen as unfaithful, jealous, and bitter. The other half of it, 9, is a sacred number. It had no equivalent in the Chaldean alphabet. It represents change, invention, and growth which derive from inspiration. It has no negative connotation. It is viewed in a esoteric view, as it takes 9 months for a child to come into the world. There is a theme of perfection, growth, fertility, and nurture associated with 6 and 9.

The number 13 on the other hand is the opposite of what 6 and 9 mean, not entirely anyway. The number 12 is considered to be the number to represent completion. So to add to completion would mean the complete end. The number is associated with the ending of a cycle, but also the rebirth of a new cycle. Thirteen represents the beginning and the end, almost like the Alpha and the Omega combined in one. There is also astrological characteristics, the sum of thirteen, 1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+10+11+12+13, equals 91, the amount of days in a season.

The rest of the single digit numbers have representation too, though I’m not going to go into every single one of them. The number seven is considered spiritual but deceptive at the same time, whereas zero is a very powerful number representing a transformational change usually in a profound manner. It’s a very extreme number and should be taken with great caution.

There are alphabetic harmonics that accompany the numerology system. Numbers have a great deal to do with the history of written language and the correspondence with each alphabetic letter. Our alphabet is derived from Egyptian Hieroglyphics, which is from a pictographic system similar to Chinese and Japanese writing systems. Humans evolved over time of course, and communication became verbalized. It was figured that each sound conveys a harmonic vibration which has significance to the exoteric and esoteric implications. Numerologists believe that the letters of the alphabet have an essence that can be associated with a numerical value, which helps in computation. Each letter is given a number, and that makes it more interesting. It often helps in a better understanding a person’s name. As an example I’ll use my first name Tim and figure out the numerology of it.

The letter T is represented by the number 2 and together mean growth. The letter T is restless and seeks answers to spiritual questions. When T is the first letter, as it is in my name, it means that I will have extra strength to help others, and I will tend to be long in suffering. I’m also considered overly emotional and easily influenced by the opinions of others. The next letter I is the third vowel of the alphabet and has the equivalent of 9. It represents law and compassion. But it also has little to no self-confidence and is easily angered. M is the equivalent of 4. M contains a lot of self-confidence and is likely to achieve success. At the same time it’s an industrious letter and can often be a “work-a-holic.” It can be hasty and quick to anger as well. Do I agree with this? Maybe. I can definitely see shades of myself in these explanations, but at the same time there are contradictory moments, one says I’m not self-confidence, the other says I am.

The world of numerology is quite an expansive one. It reaches as far as scientific problem solving in fact, as well as astrology and post-modern critique. It is a very interesting scientific method that I’m willing to do more research on, if for merely curiosity. The numerology thus far in the novel Invisible Man has shown that it is quite a popular literary device. Many authors in literature will use numerology for significance in their characters. Numerology also helps in an understanding of certain concepts or belief structures. Many use numerology to understand The Bible more. It also gives purpose and hope to some when they use numerology to pin point their characteristics, as I did in the previous paragraph. It is used in horoscopes and psychic readings often, in hopes of adding stability. Ultimately, it is up to the reader, the listener, or the subject, to decide if numerology is something they want to believe in.