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