Questions: he wasn't lying. "Give me another beer," I said. Then someone called him from the back, and he drew the beer and left. I drank it slowly, hoping Brother Maceo would appear before I had finished. When he didn't I waved to Barrelhouse and left for the district. Perhaps Brother Tarp could explain; or at least tell me something about Clifton. I walked through the dark block over to Seventh and started down; things were beginning to look serious. Along the way I saw not a single sign of Brotherhood activity. In a hot side street I came upon a couple striking matches along the curb, kneeling as though looking for a lost coin, the matches flaring dimly in their faces. Then I found myself in a strangely familiar block and broke out in a sweat: I had walked almost to Mary's door, and turned now and hurried away. Barrelhouse had prepared me for the darkened windows of the district, but not, when I let myself in, to call in vain through the dark to Brother Tarp. I went to the room where he slept, but he was not there; then I went through the dark hall to my old office and threw myself into my desk chair, exhausted. Everything seemed to be slipping away from me and I could find no quick absorbing action that would get it under control. I tried to think of whom among the district committee I might call for information concerning Clifton, but here again I was balked. For if I selected one who believed that I had requested to be transferred because I hated my own people it would only complicate matters. No doubt there would be some who'd resent my return, so it was best to confront them all at once without giving any one of them the opportunity to organize any sentiment against me. It was best that I talk with Brother Tarp, whom I trusted. When he came in he could give me an idea of the state of affairs, and perhaps tell me what had actually happened to Clifton. But Brother Tarp didn't arrive. I went out and got a

The passage you provided is from Ralph Ellison's novel "Invisible Man," a seminal work in American literature that explores themes of identity, race, and social invisibility. Let's break down the key elements and context of this excerpt:

1. Setting and Context:

   • The protagonist is in a bar, interacting with a character named Barrelhouse.
   • He is waiting for Brother Maceo but decides to leave when Maceo doesn't show up.
   • The protagonist is concerned about the lack of Brotherhood activity and is seeking information about a character named Clifton.
   • He walks through a dark block, almost reaching Mary's door, indicating a sense of familiarity and perhaps nostalgia or regret.
   • He returns to a district office, hoping to find Brother Tarp, who is not there.

2. Character Analysis:

   • Protagonist: The protagonist is feeling a sense of loss and confusion. He is trying to regain control over a situation that seems to be slipping away from him. His reliance on Brother Tarp indicates a need for trustworthy allies.
   • Brother Tarp: Although not present in this excerpt, Brother Tarp is someone the protagonist trusts and looks to for guidance and information.
   • Clifton: A character whose fate is of concern to the protagonist, suggesting that Clifton's situation is significant to the plot.

3. Themes:

   • Isolation and Invisibility: The protagonist's sense of isolation is palpable. He feels disconnected from the Brotherhood and is struggling to find his place and purpose.
   • Trust and Betrayal: The protagonist's careful consideration of whom to trust within the Brotherhood highlights themes of loyalty and betrayal.
   • Search for Identity: The protagonist's journey through familiar yet darkened streets symbolizes his search for identity and understanding in a world that often renders him invisible.

4. Literary Devices:

   • Imagery: The dark streets and the act of striking matches create a vivid image of the protagonist's internal and external search for clarity.
   • Symbolism: The darkened windows and the absence of Brother Tarp symbolize the protagonist's current state of uncertainty and the elusive nature of truth and support.

5. Plot Development:

   • This passage advances the plot by highlighting the protagonist's growing sense of urgency and desperation. His need to find Brother Tarp and understand Clifton's fate suggests that significant developments are imminent.

In summary, this excerpt from "Invisible Man" captures the protagonist's struggle with isolation, his search for trustworthy allies, and his quest for understanding in a complex and often hostile environment. The themes of invisibility and identity are central to this passage, reflecting the broader concerns of the novel.