Why did Dr. Adler refuse to provide any financial assistance to his son Tommy Wilhelm?

Answer

Why did Dr. Adler refuse to provide any financial assistance to his son Tommy Wilhelm? [NU: 2018]

Saul Bellow’s (1915-2005) “Seize the Day” (1956) is about the struggles of Tommy Wilhelm. He lives in New York, in the Hotel Gloriana. He feels lost and broken. His father, Dr. Adler, stays in the same hotel. But he refuses to help his son. Their relationship shows pain, misunderstanding, and pride.

Dr. Adler’s Belief in Independence: Dr. Adler is old but strong. He believes every man should stand on his own feet. He tells Wilhelm not to depend on others. Adler thinks money should not solve Wilhelm’s problems. He says people must create or they destroy. This shows Adler’s idea. He refuses money because he wants Wilhelm to be strong.

Wilhelm’s Failures and Adler’s Anger: Wilhelm has made many mistakes. He left college. He failed in Hollywood. He left his job. He trusted Dr. Tamkin in business and lost money. Adler feels angry at these failures. He says Wilhelm wastes his time and life. Wilhelm prays, 

“Oh, God… Let me out of my trouble.” 

This time, Adlar could help him. But Adler does not listen. He feels his son should stop crying and change. Adler refuses help because he thinks Wilhelm is foolish.

Adler Blames Wilhelm’s Choices: Dr. Adler refuses to give money because he thinks Wilhelm’s problems are his own fault. Wilhelm chose the wrong paths in life. He left college. He failed in Hollywood. He left his good job as a salesman. Now he trusts Dr. Tamkin and loses money in the stock market. Adler feels Wilhelm is careless. He says money will not fix such mistakes. Wilhelm himself admits, 

“He had made mistakes … He had been a fool.” 

But Adler cannot forgive. He thinks Wilhelm must pay for his choices. That is why Adler refuses financial help.

Dr. Adler refuses financial help because of independence, anger, and pride. Wilhelm suffers, but Adler does not change. Their story