The novel dramatizes the struggle of the individual with society, with "reality-instructors" and, ultimately, with himself. Augie March wants "a fate that is good enough"; he wants to touch all sides and not become a specialist. Yet how can the individual resist the enormous pressures of twentieth-century America, especially when it offers attractive temptations to conform? Augie encounters a series of powerful "reality-instructors," people who "are always trying to fit him into their schemes." These tempters include "Grandma" Lausch, William Einhorn, his friends, his lover, and his brother.
By their own lights, they mean well by Augie; all they ask is that he give up his individuality and freedom. Indeed, at times, Augie is forced to question the value of his precious self. Thea Fenchel, his lover, accuses him of being unable to communicate intimately.....
This is a free excerpt of 135 words. This section contains 459 words. This
Short Guide contains 1,131 words (approx. 4 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Short Guide with our The Adventures of Augie March Access Pass.
