Saul Bellow’s Attitude Toward Contemporary American Society

Answer

Write a note on American life and society as depicted in the novel “Seize the Day.”

Or, Saul Bellow’s attitude toward contemporary American Society. 

In “Seize the Day,” published in a post-war world in 1956, Saul Bellow (1915-2005) depicts American life and society as harsh, competitive, and isolating. The novel captures the struggles of living in a modern, urban world, where people are driven by the pursuit of success, wealth, and status. The characters and their interactions reflect the pressures and challenges of contemporary American society, where materialism and the idea of the ‘American Dream’ dominate.

The Pursuit of Financial Success/American Dream: One of the central aspects of American life depicted in the novel is the relentless pursuit of financial success. The novel shows how people measure their worth and identity through money and social status. Tommy Wilhelm, the protagonist, is caught up in this societal pressure. In his younger days, Wilhelm chased the American Dream, leaving college and heading to Hollywood to become an actor. However, his dreams never materialized, leaving him in a state of financial instability and deep regret. His experience reflects how the American obsession with success can lead to disappointment and frustration.

The Competitive Nature of American Society: The novel also portrays the cutthroat nature of American society. People are constantly competing against one another, whether in business, the stock market, or even in social interactions. Wilhelm’s father, Dr. Adler, is a retired, successful doctor who embodies the idea of self-reliance and hard work. He believes that success comes only through personal effort and discipline. Dr. Adler sees his son as a failure who must deal with his own problems. Tommy realizes:

The money makes the difference.

Speaking to his father, Dr. Adler, Tommy Wilhelm identifies money as the divisive force between himself and his father. Dr. Adler’s attitude represents a society where there is little sympathy for those who do not succeed.

Loneliness and Isolation: Another important aspect of American life in the novel is the loneliness and isolation of city life. Although New York City is crowded and full of activity, the people in the novel feel disconnected from one another. Wilhelm lives in Hotel Gloriana surrounded by elderly retirees, yet he feels completely alone. The narrator says,

It was the punishment of hell itself not to understand or to be understood.

Tommy Wilhelm finds it impossible to communicate with people in the city, even his own father. Everyone is focused on their own problems and ambitions. Saul Bellow suggests that the hustle and bustle of city life contributes to a sense of alienation and emotional emptiness.

Materialism and Appearance: Materialism is another key theme in Bellow’s depiction of American society. People’s worth is often judged by their possessions, appearance, and financial status. Even minor characters, like Rubin, the hotel employee, and Mr. Perls, one of the residents, are concerned with appearances. They discuss clothing and material goods. The narrator says in Chapter 2,

Everyone was supposed to have money … They’d be ashamed not to have it.

This preoccupation with material success reflects a society that values wealth and image over deeper, more meaningful qualities.

Instability and Uncertainty: Finally, the novel shows the instability and uncertainty of life in American society, especially in a world driven by the stock market and economic forces. Wilhelm’s decision to invest his remaining savings in the stock market, guided by the dubious Dr. Tamkin, reflects the risks people take in the hope of achieving financial security. The unpredictability of the market symbolizes the uncertainty of modern life, where fortunes can change in an instant.

In conclusion, “Seize the Day” presents a critical view of American life and society. Bellow highlights the pressures of materialism, the isolation of city living, and the harsh competitiveness that leaves people like Wilhelm struggling to find meaning and connection in their lives.