Saturday, May 8, 2010

The man in the gray flannel suit

Lately I have been reading an eclectic mix of books on business, religion, politics, sports and the Hell's Angeles. I have drifted away from reading the "serious" literature that I have studied and taught in school for so many years. So, it was with great pleasure that I started reading The Man in the Grey Flannel Suit. This novel was so good that it made me nostalgic for my days as an English major at UCSB. I had a palpable desire to discuss and debate this book with any willing participant. During this mornings surf session with John I was actively encouraging him to read this novel and see it as an extension of his own interior monologue. So many of our talks in the water focus on the unspoken fears we all have. Sloan Wilson is a gifted writer how put those fears on paper.
What makes this novel so interesting is that the main character, Tom Rath, is a decent and likable man. His motto is, "go along to get along." He simultaneously finds comfort in conformity and loathes what his life has become. He is married with three children, but finds himself stuck on the treadmill of consumerism. He has spent his life "making love without passion" and going through life "without any real emotion except worry." He is the embodiment of what Thoreau said when he stated, "most men lead lives of quiet desperation."
But Tom Rath is not written as a stock character. He is not presented to the audience as a bland symbol of conformity or a vision of meek existence. No, Sloan Wilson has written something far more sinister. He has held a mirror up to society to reveal that we are all the man in the gray flannel suit: hurrying to make a buck, trying not to offend anyone, eager to please and blend in and praying that we do not loose our jobs, our home, or our life.

2 comments:

  1. I love that you are a reader of literature and all types of books, Matt! I am intrigued to read this book after reading this interesting synopsis.
    Love you, Mom

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  2. Wow, Matt, you have quite a gift. Loved your description and I, too, am inspired to read the book some day. Right now I am reading an awesome book, too. It is called "The Lotus Eaters." I met the author when I went to her book reading a "Pages" bookstore. I only bought her book because I did not want to hurt her feelings. I see the folly of that way of thinking now. But, I am so glad I bought it. It is one that I would never have considered. It is about Vietnam. The author did so much research before she wrote the book. It really makes me want to go to Vietnam. I am going to have lunch with her on June 2. Have so many questions for her.

    You inspire me with your zest for reading, learning and life.

    Hugs, D

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