The societal contexts in which Ralph Ellison wrote, primarily racial injustice and urban life, shaped his literary works. Issues of identity, invisibility, and the struggle for self-definition are prevalent in his acclaimed novel, "Invisible Man." Ellison's experiences as an African American in mid-20th century America provided a lens through which he examined the complexities of race and culture. His writings remain a critical exploration of the African American experience and societal alienation.