Bellow's use of first-person narration, as in this novel, has perplexed critics, who feel that a narrator should bring more immediacy to the story. But here, as in Herzog (1964; see separate entry), much of the action is relayed to the reader second hand in the form of conversations and telephone calls between Kenneth and Benn. Although this device helps to flesh out these characters, some critics have complained that it keeps readers from experiencing many of the plot incidents themselves and reaching their own conclusions about the meaning of the action.
Benn's close affinity with plants gives rise to a number of symbolic elements.
Kenneth repeatedly notes that his uncle's.....
This is a free excerpt of 112 words. This section contains 219 words. This
Short Guide contains 2,359 words (approx. 8 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Short Guide with our More Die of Heartbreak Access Pass.
