Tommy Wilhelm, the protagonist of Saul Bellow's novella "Seize the Day," can be viewed as a victimized hero who struggles to find his place in a society that is indifferent to his struggles. Through Wilhelm's character, Bellow explores the theme of individualism and the struggle for personal identity in a society that values material success over personal fulfillment.
At the beginning of the novella, Wilhelm is at a low point in his life. He has just lost his job and his wife is in the process of divorcing him. He is a failed actor and salesman who is struggling to find a sense of purpose or meaning in his life. Despite his setbacks, however, Wilhelm is a sympathetic character who is trying to do the best he can with the resources available to him.
Throughout the novella, Wilhelm is repeatedly victimized by the people around him. He is swindled by Dr. Tamkin, an investment advisor who promises to help him with his financial problems but who turns out to be a fraud. Wilhelm is also betrayed by his father, who disapproves of his son's life choices and refuses to help him out of his financial troubles. Even his ex-wife, Margaret, whom Wilhelm still loves, is distant and unsympathetic to his struggles.
Despite these setbacks, Wilhelm remains a hero in the sense that he refuses to give up. He continues to search for a way to improve his financial situation and find a sense of purpose in his life. He is determined to take control of his life and seize the opportunities that come his way. In this way, Wilhelm embodies the theme of individualism and the struggle for personal identity in a society that values conformity and material success.
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Wilhelm's character can also be viewed as a critique of the American dream, which emphasizes the importance of individualism and hard work in achieving success. Wilhelm is a hard worker who has tried to make something of himself, but he is constantly thwarted by the circumstances of his life. Bellow uses Wilhelm's character to show that the American dream is not always attainable, and that the pursuit of material success can come at the cost of personal fulfillment and human relationships.
Despite the obstacles he faces, Wilhelm remains a sympathetic character who readers can identify with. He is not perfect, but he is trying to do the best he can with the resources available to him. Bellow uses Wilhelm's character to explore the complexities of human nature and the struggle for personal identity in a society that values material success over personal fulfillment.
In conclusion, Tommy Wilhelm can be viewed as a victimized hero who struggles to find his place in a society that is indifferent to his struggles. Through his character, Saul Bellow explores the theme of individualism and the struggle for personal identity in a society that values material success over personal fulfillment. Wilhelm's struggles highlight the complexities of human nature and the difficulty of finding one's place in a society that can be hostile to individuality and personal expression. Despite the setbacks he faces, Wilhelm remains a sympathetic character who embodies the courage and determination needed to overcome the obstacles of life.