The Rhythm Is Gonna Get You
A question brought up today was whether or not characters in TC Boyle's World's End are doomed to follow the paths of their ancestors. I believe that in this novel characters are in fact cursed by their past and are doomed to follow in their ancestors footsteps. The fist scene which gave me this impression was early in the novel while Walter was celebrating his birthday. He comments on his knowledge of a loving family and girlfriend waiting for him at home with a special meal prepared just for him. Tragically he does not appreciate these efforts but feels somehow freed by leaving them behind and celebrating his birthday in a seedy bar with strangers. This behavior is similar to the selfish acts of his father described later in the story. In this way Walter displays some helpless submission to the lives lived before him. He is also tied to a much more distant ancestor in the injury he shares with Jeremias. The Van Wart family is also linked to their ancestors in behavior. Whether a Van Wart is seizing land from Jeremias or invading peaceful concerts years later, they are consistently depicted as a villainous character.
In drawing these parallels in character, Boyle creates a bridge between time periods through character personas. By observing similar characters in each period of time, it is easier for the reader to overlook the drastic structural differences in each period and relate more to the characters of the people living during these times. The characters Boyle displays in the present are so comparable with those in the past that it suggests it is impossible to escape one's past and history is inevitably repetitive.
posted by MattFell @ 5:27 PM
2 Comments:
I agree that the characters in TC Boyle's World's End seem doomed to repeat their shameful history. But I strongly disagree with Boyle if the point that he's trying to make with these parallels between characters is that history is inevitably repetitive and it is impossible to escape one's past. Walter's destructive behavior is leading him to become what everyone thinks his father is, a drunken, unreliable, bum. However, what Walter becomes lies solely on his own shoulders. His father deserted his family and friends. This is regrettable but Walter is foolish for letting this dictate his life. Walter struggles with the fact that he doesn't know his father who is called a traitor and a drunk. I understand how a son would be upset if his father was not a good person, but this doesn't mean that Walter can't be a good person. This is why I agreed with Emma in our class discussion today, when she said that she is indifferent about her family tree and learning about her ancestors. I think it could be interesting, but frankly, I don't really care if my ancestors were great people or criminals. Their lives should not and do not affect mine in anyway. Walter's struggle to find his father and the truth make for an interesting storyline, but if he were my friend I would tell him it's time to move on and worry about your own life.
Thoughtful post and comment. With the Van Warts, there seems to be a sense not only of destiny but decay.
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