Seize the Day : summary

“Seize the Day” by Saul Bellow (1915-2005) is a novella that follows the story of Tommy Wilhelm. He is a middle-aged man grappling with various personal and financial crises in New York City. The novella is divided into several scenes. Each scene captures a different aspect of Tommy’s struggles and his attempts to seize the day and find meaning in his life.

Scene 1: Tommy’s Apartment

The story begins in Tommy’s shabby apartment, where he wakes up and reflects on his current situation. The room is described as cluttered and disorganized, mirroring Tommy’s chaotic mind. He contemplates his failed marriage, his strained relationship with his father, and his lack of success in his career.

Scene 2: Tommy’s Father’s Office

Tommy visits his father, Dr. Adler, in his office. The setting is a stark contrast to Tommy’s apartment. The office is polished and orderly, reflecting Dr. Adler’s professional success. Tommy seeks financial assistance from his father, but their conversation quickly devolves into a bitter argument. It highlights the strained dynamics between them.

Scene 3: The Stock Exchange

Tommy heads to the stock exchange, hoping to make quick money through trading. The scene is chaotic and frenetic, with traders shouting and rushing around. Tommy feels lost and overwhelmed amidst the chaos, symbolizing his lack of direction and purpose in life.

Scene 4: The Funeral Home

Tommy attends the funeral of his estranged friend, Tothero. The atmosphere is somber, and Tommy reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. He realizes the importance of cherishing the present moment and not squandering opportunities for happiness.

Scene 5: The Restaurant

Tommy meets his ex-wife, Margaret, at a restaurant for lunch. The setting is elegant and refined, contrasting Tommy’s usual surroundings. Their conversation reveals their past grievances and the emotional baggage that still lingers between them. Tommy longs for reconnection, but their meeting only emphasizes their irreconcilable differences.

Scene 6: The Medical Office

Tommy visits Dr. Tamkin, a quack psychologist, seeking guidance and support. The office is cluttered with eccentric artifacts, reflecting Dr. Tamkin’s unconventional methods. Tommy engages in lengthy discussions with Dr. Tamkin, who offers dubious advice and promises of success. The scene highlights Tommy’s vulnerability and desperation for someone to provide him with answers.

Scene 7: The Hotel Room

Tommy retreats to a cheap hotel room, overwhelmed by his mounting failures and the weight of his existential crisis. The room is dilapidated, symbolizing his deteriorating mental state. He confronts his insecurities and fears of facing his true self.

Scene 8: The Rooftop

In the final scene, Tommy climbs to the rooftop of the hotel. The setting offers a panoramic view of the city, representing the possibilities and potential that await him. Tommy experiences a moment of clarity and acceptance. He faces his insecurities and fears of facing his true self.

Throughout “Seize the Day,” Saul Bellow masterfully portrays Tommy Wilhelm’s journey through various scenes, capturing the essence of his struggles and his quest for meaning. The vivid descriptions of the settings not only provide a backdrop for the story but also serve as metaphors for Tommy’s emotional state and the challenges he faces.