How does Bellow portray the existential problem in American society 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 does Bellow portray the existential problem in American society in Seize the Day?
Saul Bellow‘s (1915-2005) novella “Seize the Day” is a powerful exploration of the existential problem within American society in the mid-20th century. Through the character of Tommy Wilhelm, a middle-aged man grappling with a series of personal and societal crises, Bellow paints a bleak yet insightful picture of the human condition in an increasingly alienating and materialistic world. Here is Bellow’s portrayal of the existential problem in American society within the novel,
Alienation and Isolation: One of the central themes in “Seize the Day” is the profound sense of alienation and isolation experienced by Tommy Wilhelm. Tommy is a man who feels disconnected from the world around him. He is alienated from his family. Again, he is unable to maintain a stable career and lacks a sense of purpose. This sense of alienation is symbolic of the broader societal disconnection prevalent in post-war America.
Bellow suggests that the pursuit of material success and conformity to societal norms has led to a profound sense of emptiness and disconnection in the lives of many Americans. Again, His father argues with him no to provide sympathy and financial help, referring to his past mistakes, but he can never convince his father like Bellow’s philosophic statement.
“You can spend the entire second half of your life recovering
from the mistakes of the first half”.
Materialism and Consumerism: Bellow critiques the materialistic and consumerist values that dominate American society in the novel. Tommy’s obsession with financial success and his relentless pursuit of wealth reflects the societal emphasis on material gain and status. Bellow portrays a world where people constantly measure their self-worth regarding financial success. It leads to a sense of hollowness and desperation. This materialistic mindset is a major contributor to the existential crisis individuals like Tommy.
Loss of Authenticity: Bellow highlights the loss of authenticity and genuine human connection in a society driven by superficiality and image. Tommy’s interactions with various characters, including Dr. Tamkin and his father, reveal the prevalence of