How is Tommy Wilhelm regenerated at last?
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 is Tommy Wilhelm regenerated at last? [NU: 2016, 21] ★★★
Saul Bellow’s (1915-2005) “Seize the Day” (1956) tells the painful story of Tommy Wilhelm. He is a failed actor, a rejected husband, and a lost son. He suffers in New York City. But in the end, his heart finds new life. His regeneration comes through tears, pain, and truth.
Wilhelm’s Broken Life in New York: Tommy Wilhelm is lonely. His wife Margaret, rejects him. His father, Dr. Adler, refuses to help. Even Dr. Tamkin, his strange partner, tricks him in the stock market. Wilhelm cries,
“Oh, God, let me out of my trouble.”
He feels lost on Broadway, with the crowd and the “gassy air” around butcher shops and fruit stores. His suffering is heavy. But this suffering prepares his heart for change.
Tamkin’s Lesson and Wilhelm’s Despair: Dr. Tamkin tells Wilhelm,
“The past is no good to us. The future is full of anxiety. Only the present is real. Seize the day.”
Wilhelm does not understand at first. He wants money and comfort. But when Tamkin cheats him, he sees the truth. Life is not about money-making. Tamkin says,
“Money-making is aggression. People come to the market to kill.”
Wilhelm realizes that chasing wealth has ruined him. This despair breaks his pride.
Wilhelm’s Tears and New Birth: At the end, Wilhelm enters a funeral home. He sees a dead man he does not know. Suddenly, he breaks down in tears. These tears wash his soul. In that moment, Wilhelm feels human again. Surrounded by strangers, he finds freedom inside. His heart is open. He is regenerated by honesty, humility, and grief.
Tommy Wilhelm’s regeneration is not in success, but in suffering. Betrayed by Margaret, Dr. Adler, and Tamkin, he finally surrenders in New York. In his tears at the funeral, he is born again.