Tropic of Cancer | Themes & Symbolism

Tropic of Cancer Significant Topics

Literary Honesty

Henry sets out to write a piece of honest literature that should disturb the reader out of habitual thinking and into areas not yet considered. He does this partly through the shock factors of crude language and sexual imagery, and partly through surreal passages. The prose brings attention through slaps and titillations that resulted in its banishment in the United States until 1961. Copies were smuggled in though, and an underground readership developed in America. Some historians point to this as an early influence on the sexual revolution in the United States during the 1960s. The literature value endures beyond its historical impact due to Henry's poignant insights into the human condition.

One of the human conditions is basic survival. Another is the lust for sex. We must have a home and an occupation of some sort. Love is needed, as is comfort and recreation. Henry addresses all of these...
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