Going Nowhere

Not much has happened in the first fifteen pages of Seize the Day. We are only being introduced to a few characters, focusing mainly on Tommy Wilhelm. The story of his life is not one that we haven’t heard before. He never finished his education, hoping that one day he would become a famous Hollywood actor. His dad, a very successful and acknowledged doctor, obviously disapproved of his actions. The book is currently showing how Tommy eventually reached his forties and is now living in a hotel with his dad where mostly old and retired people stay. At this point of the story, I am simply waiting for something to happen, since the main character`s life seems to be quite dull and boring. This is will probably be the dominant tone in the story until Tommy actually changes his lifestyle. I can certainly relate this to the title though, Seize the Day, which basically means to take control of the moments and opportunities that life gives you. Tommy is doing practically the opposite of this. His life is greatly affected by his father’s criticism, which has greatly lowered his self esteem, making him think less of himself. The hotel he stays at, surrounds him of old people, who`s lives` are about to end. This represents the idea that Tommy`s life, just like those who he lives with, is not really going anywhere. The worst part of it all is that he has come to accept all of this and simply give up the dreams and aspirations he had as a young man. I am sure that at some point along the story, this middle aged, frustrated actor, will have some sort of anagnorisis, where he will realize where his life is headed. When this happens then exciting part of the book will begin.