Prewitt lacked this capability – though he admired it. The wise and practical survivors – Warden, Stark, Chief Choate, Malloy – willing to compromise and bend to forces more powerful than themselves, but willing to standup against the machine when something truly important was at stake – but always keeping a handle on their personal survival.Though he makes a relatively brief appearance, I think he is James Jones ‘avatar.’ The character Jack Malloy (not in the movie) one of the most interesting characters in the book or in any of the literature I’ve read.Lee Prewitt as ‘existential hero’ applying passion and no-compromise integrity in situations that inevitably led to his destruction An underlying theme of despair throughout the book.Men with a love-hate competitive relationship with each other.Hypocrisy in expectations in marriage – more so then than now – my parents’ generation.Both of Holmes and Warden struggling with the futile goal of realizing ideal romantic, total surrender love, while also trying to hold on to their personal prerogatives, obligations, identity and goals.Two very strong personalities struggling to love each other – Karen Holmes and Milt Warden.These are some random points I made to my co-readers, and below, some points they made to me. It’s been worth it for me – one of the best and most powerful books I’ve ever read.
FHtE demands that you commit to it – like a getting into a relationship – and reading it has included all the hard work, frustration, patience, head-scratching, joys, and satisfactions of any intimate relationship. My Impressions: Note – the below comments are excerpted from emails exchanged between a group of us who read this impressive book together in December 14 and January 15. I also really liked the movie starring Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, and Deborah Kerr.
This book definitely belongs in that genre.
I have been fascinated by the idea of the Existential Hero in American Literature since taking a course in that subject in college. Why this book: I have been hearing about, and seeing this book referred to for years.
0 kommentar(er)
