Instantly after I read the first couple of lines, I realized “Seize the Day” would be a novel like no other we have read so far. The omniscient narrative voice made it a more descriptive and analytical narrative in which all points of views and circumstances could symbolize something of importance to the novel, unlike the others. Besides, this story seemed to unfold in a contemporary moment with more relatable events to present-day.
Initially we are introduced to our main character and to a trait which majorly describes his persona. “When it came to concealing his troubles, Tommy Wilhelm was not less capable than the next fellow. So at least he thought…” (Chap. 1 Pg 1) This satirical remark from the narrator allowed us to distinguish Tommy’s insecurities. Based on the fact that he is attempting to cover up his true feelings we can perceive that his not in touch with his sentiments and that probably he is a very insecure man which hides his true self. As a hook, the author takes the opportunity to mock the character and all of us who share Wilhelm’s issues given that people which relate to it, presume no one notices their effort to disguise how their feeling, even though that is not always the case. As Tommy’s typical morning carried on we get to learn more about his personality. One of the characteristics which amazed me the most was the fact that “He bought the paper and some cigars and drank a Coca-Cola or two before he went in to breakfast with his father.” (Chap. 1 Pg. 2) The fact that Wilhelm smoked cigars and drank Coca-Cola before breakfast reflects he is a very nervous and anxious person. Both of those habits demonstrated he had vices which were highly affecting him. That morning, as well, he hadn’t met his father on the fourteenth floor as he usually did. Instantaneously Tommy freaks out and has a feeling that trouble lies ahead of him clearly indicating he was an enclosed person which disliked change. Wilhelm’s morning continues as accustomed and through flashbacks presented by his thoughts we get to discover more about his peculiar personality. For instance we come across the meaningless lies he tells such as commenting that he had bought his shirt instead of saying it was a present from his boss. We also realize how lonely Tommy is. In one case he went to the movies alone because he didn’t want to play gin with the same people due to his constant loses.
Further on in the chapter the narrator begins describing an investment Wilhelm has done on the market with his neighbor Mr. Tamkin. The lust for money is clearly represented and the anxiety of its significance is present especially with Tommy’s dad which considers money a way to measure success. Due to the fact that Tommy had recently lost his job we have to opportunity to witness their weird and mistreating relationship in which Mr. Adler, Tommy’s dad, demonstrated his shame and disillusion while Tommy accumulates rage and searches for acceptance. By comparing both father and son last-names we can easily figure out that something has been altered. I first imagined that Tommy had decided to change it due to the hatred towards his father but as we advance in the narrative we find out it was in his attempt of becoming an actor.
When adding up all the factors presented, I assumed this novel would highly concentrate on appearances, superficiality and materialism. The constant concentration in the cloth their wearing, the importance given to money and other factors signify a major theme “But how we love looking fine in the eyes of the world…” (Chap. 1 Pg10-11) By the end of the second chapter we see Tommy along with the other characters introduced as shallow but Tommy redeems himself when he admits to having made mistakes in his live, in other words, he takes credit for his own failings. "For all the time I have wasted I am very sorry," (Chap. 1 Pg. 22)
An attention-grabbing fact which I found through the first two chapters was the constant apparition of cigars and water. I believe cigars represent a harmful vice of which Tommy has become obsessed with, slowly it harms him inside just as the fact of hiding his feelings and wanting to be accepted so bad slowly kills him inside. Concerning water I could only relate to the fact that he was drowning metaphorically meaning he is being suffocated by his own self and the society which surrounds him. May the two symbols have significance or are they just plain coincidence? Will Tommy begin to change and retain himself from destructive habits and accept himself or will he allow society to bring him down?
Initially we are introduced to our main character and to a trait which majorly describes his persona. “When it came to concealing his troubles, Tommy Wilhelm was not less capable than the next fellow. So at least he thought…” (Chap. 1 Pg 1) This satirical remark from the narrator allowed us to distinguish Tommy’s insecurities. Based on the fact that he is attempting to cover up his true feelings we can perceive that his not in touch with his sentiments and that probably he is a very insecure man which hides his true self. As a hook, the author takes the opportunity to mock the character and all of us who share Wilhelm’s issues given that people which relate to it, presume no one notices their effort to disguise how their feeling, even though that is not always the case. As Tommy’s typical morning carried on we get to learn more about his personality. One of the characteristics which amazed me the most was the fact that “He bought the paper and some cigars and drank a Coca-Cola or two before he went in to breakfast with his father.” (Chap. 1 Pg. 2) The fact that Wilhelm smoked cigars and drank Coca-Cola before breakfast reflects he is a very nervous and anxious person. Both of those habits demonstrated he had vices which were highly affecting him. That morning, as well, he hadn’t met his father on the fourteenth floor as he usually did. Instantaneously Tommy freaks out and has a feeling that trouble lies ahead of him clearly indicating he was an enclosed person which disliked change. Wilhelm’s morning continues as accustomed and through flashbacks presented by his thoughts we get to discover more about his peculiar personality. For instance we come across the meaningless lies he tells such as commenting that he had bought his shirt instead of saying it was a present from his boss. We also realize how lonely Tommy is. In one case he went to the movies alone because he didn’t want to play gin with the same people due to his constant loses.
Further on in the chapter the narrator begins describing an investment Wilhelm has done on the market with his neighbor Mr. Tamkin. The lust for money is clearly represented and the anxiety of its significance is present especially with Tommy’s dad which considers money a way to measure success. Due to the fact that Tommy had recently lost his job we have to opportunity to witness their weird and mistreating relationship in which Mr. Adler, Tommy’s dad, demonstrated his shame and disillusion while Tommy accumulates rage and searches for acceptance. By comparing both father and son last-names we can easily figure out that something has been altered. I first imagined that Tommy had decided to change it due to the hatred towards his father but as we advance in the narrative we find out it was in his attempt of becoming an actor.
When adding up all the factors presented, I assumed this novel would highly concentrate on appearances, superficiality and materialism. The constant concentration in the cloth their wearing, the importance given to money and other factors signify a major theme “But how we love looking fine in the eyes of the world…” (Chap. 1 Pg10-11) By the end of the second chapter we see Tommy along with the other characters introduced as shallow but Tommy redeems himself when he admits to having made mistakes in his live, in other words, he takes credit for his own failings. "For all the time I have wasted I am very sorry," (Chap. 1 Pg. 22)
An attention-grabbing fact which I found through the first two chapters was the constant apparition of cigars and water. I believe cigars represent a harmful vice of which Tommy has become obsessed with, slowly it harms him inside just as the fact of hiding his feelings and wanting to be accepted so bad slowly kills him inside. Concerning water I could only relate to the fact that he was drowning metaphorically meaning he is being suffocated by his own self and the society which surrounds him. May the two symbols have significance or are they just plain coincidence? Will Tommy begin to change and retain himself from destructive habits and accept himself or will he allow society to bring him down?
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