The main character in this book is not exactly the most lovable protagonist. Amory, a boy who studies at Princeton University, is extremely arrogant, pompous, and wishful; but he wishes only to be better than everyone else. He seeks new ways to excel in things, and seeks new things to excel in. This "eccentric" personality of Amory's is largely due to his mother, Beatrice. She was always a sophisticated, extravagant woman, and taught her son everything. Sh taught him to be sophisticated just as she was, and she is the source of his arrogance. Not to say that it wasn't deserved; Amory is described as being very handsome and fairly smart as well. The only problem is that he knows it. He envisions heads rolling to look at him once he has passed a group of people by. He loves to be better than other people, impress people, and make sure his ego and status are top notch. This is Amory's main problem in this novel: he lets his starvation for perfection get in the way of his life.
I feel very mixed about the book so far. At times, I find humor in the insanity of Amory's arrogance and strides to become better. Other times, however, I become disgusted and annoyed with his character. It is very hard to like a character who i feel is pushing everyone in his life away from him. It makes me wonder if this is possible though. I think that in today's society, people are less likely to be so blatant about their arrogance, but maybe that was not the case at this point in time. It would not surprise me, because social laws and common courtesies can change very much in a short period of time (only 70-80 years). The thing that i do like about this book is that it is written in third person. If it was written from Amory's point of view, I am not too sure i could handle it. I also like to see that Amory has made some adjustments about his personality, because i think that if he stayed the same the entire time it would get boring and predictable. However, I don't agree with why he has made adaptations: to fit in wherever he goes. Each new place he makes some small adjustments to who he is and who he wants to be. Normally, i would assume that the character was just going through natrual development. He is, after all, only 15-20 in this passage. However I think that based on what I have read about him, and his passionate desire to be the best and show off to all, I can gather that Amory makes these changes in order to further his status. For example, he didn't play sports until he visited Minneapolis for two years, but then he all of a sudden began. The author mentions nothing about his love or interest for the game, but only says that football is just one more thing that Amory wanted to excel in.
I mentioned before that he seems to be pushing everyone in his life away from him. This is what i think will be the ultimate demise of Amory. He wants to get close to different girls, but I can't see how that is going to happen if he continues to push people away from him the way he does. For example, he meets a girl and uses his charm to make her like him, yet when she kisses him, he is complete repulsed, leaving the girl furious at him. He also was called into a professor's office at his school, St. Regis'. The professor tries to tell Amory that the reason why he is unpopular among the other boys is because of the fact that they all see his arrogance, but Amory is offended. Not because he couldn't believe that people disliked him, but because he felt as if the professor was insulting his intelligence by telling him something that he already knew. In both instances, Amory pushed someone away who was totally willing to offer Amory some sort of companionship or help, yet he scoffed and blew them both off. If things keep going this way for Amory, then he will destroy himself by being so intent on finding someone to love, but continuing to push them all away.
The book sounds very interesting so far Josh. Your analysis of the main character was very well done and in-depth. Hopefully he will become more of a like-able character as the novel goes on. Or, maybe the fact that he is so arrogant and cocky adds to the amusement and entertainment of the book. I also thought it was insightful how you examined the point-of-view that it is written in, and how this adds to the enjoyability of the read. I am interested to see how the author will develop Amory as the story goes on Great post!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fellow blogger matt on this one but as another view I think he will eventually have an epiphany on how bad he really is and change himself before its too late. But thats just me. I also like your blog too with the picture in the background and everything, nice set up! But back to the book, although you said he makes changes only a true epiphany helps cure the problem completely. Finally I like how you have his personality nailed with the description and with that alone makes me want to read the book. I will be following this blog for sure so keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteHm, I can't beleive this is only your first post after reading your book josh. The anlysis you have of Amory (like the gentleman above) mentined is impeccable, I am annoyed of his persona just from reading what you have written. You mentioned that the story is told in 3rd person point of view, but I feel that if it were to be told in 1st person, the book may be more insightful. Fr instance, for every action and event that happens, Amory would give explanations and reasons as to why it was as such. Perhaps we are making an ill judgement of character, and that later on this arrogance is not simply pompous after all. Your prediction seems highly reasonable as well.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very good post and it offered a lot of good insight into the character of Amory. I think the reason the author is making Amory such a arrogant and unlikeable character is so the reader will be able to like him more later. Without reading the book, you can already tell that the main thing that is going to happen is Amory will be transformed into a different person. By starting him off so badly, his transformation will be a lot more noticeable, and the reader will be able to appreciate him more later. This makes me agree completely with your prediction.
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