How did Tommy Wilhelm get his freedom in Seize the Day
Seize the Day is a notable literary work by Saul Bellow. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Seize the Day.
Answer
How did Tommy Wilhelm get his freedom in ‘Seize the Day“?
“Seize the Day” is a novella by Saul Bellow (1915-2005), published in 1956. The story follows the protagonist, Tommy Wilhelm, as he navigates through a day filled with personal and financial struggles. Throughout the novel, Tommy seeks a sense of freedom from his internal and external conflicts.
However, it’s important to note that Tommy’s journey in the story doesn’t necessarily lead to a definitive sense of freedom in the traditional sense. Instead, his pursuit of freedom is more about self-discovery and acceptance. Here, we discuss how Tommy Wilhelm’s quest for freedom unfolds in “Seize the Day.”
Tommy’s Financial Struggles: At the beginning of the novella, Tommy is facing significant financial difficulties. He has lost his job and is heavily in debt. His quest for freedom is intertwined with his desire to resolve these financial issues and achieve stability. As the narrator says in Chapter 2,
Everyone was supposed to have money … They’d be ashamed not to have it.
Tommy Wilhelm feels pressure to be financially successful, and because he is not, he feels ashamed in the face of social expectations.
Dr. Tamkin’s Influence and Manipulation: Tommy meets Dr. Tamkin, a charismatic but dubious character who claims to be an expert in financial advice and psychological insights. Tommy becomes drawn to Tamkin as the manipulative conman exploits Tommy’s vulnerability. The following line becomes Tamkin’s mantra of manipulation.
Only the present is real — the here-and-now. Seize the day.
In the novel, Dr. Tamkin ultimately becomes a big barrier in Wilhelm’s quest for freedom. Wilhelm’s encounter with Tamkin ultimately leads him to self-acceptance.
Emotional Turmoil: Alongside his financial troubles, Tommy also grapples with emotional turmoil. He is dealing with a failed marriage, a strained relationship with his father, and a general sense of inadequacy. This emotional baggage becomes a significant barrier to his sense of personal freedom. Wilhelm says in Chapter 1,
Tamkin… tries to give me a hand, whereas Dad doesn’t want to be disturbed.