Assess the relation between Dr. Adler and Tommy Wilhelm in “Seize the Day”.

Answer

Assess the relation between Dr. Adler and Tommy Wilhelm. [NU: 2016]

Saul Bellow’s (1915-2005) “Seize the Day” (1956) shows the modern man’s struggle. The novel is set in New York. Tommy Wilhelm is broken and restless. Dr. Adler, his father, is successful and respected. Their relationship is full of distance, pain, and misunderstanding. Father and son live in the same hotel, but their hearts are far apart.

Dr. Adler’s Pride and Distance: Dr. Adler is proud of his health and success. He lives in the Hotel Gloriana. He enjoys the respect of people there. He looks down on Tommy Wilhelm. When Wilhelm comes for comfort, Dr. Adler coldly rejects him. This shows his distance. He does not give love. He gives judgment. Tommy feels unwanted in his father’s world.

Tommy Wilhelm’s Weakness and Cry for Help: Tommy Wilhelm is full of mistakes. He lost his job. His wife does not love him. He says in prayer, 

“Oh, God, let me out of my trouble.” 

He turns to his father for support. But Dr. Adler refuses. Wilhelm feels more lonely. He pays for his children but says with pain, 

“I pay and pay. I never see them.” 

This weakness makes him beg for kindness from Dr. Adler, but he receives rejection.

Conflict of Values: Dr. Adler believes in money, respect, and success. He is practical and cold. Wilhelm is emotional, desperate, and cries for love. Their conflict is not only personal but also generational. New York cafés and streets show Wilhelm’s loneliness. Dr. Adler shines socially but fails as a father.

The relationship between Dr. Adler and Tommy Wilhelm is tragic. Dr. Adler is proud and distant. Wilhelm is weak and desperate. Their bond is broken in the Hotel Gloriana. Father and son stand close in place but far in heart.