Exploring Characters of Success and Unhappiness: Examining Works from the 20th Century

When analyzing works of 20th-century literature, one cannot overlook the complex characters who, despite their success, remain unhappy. This phenomenon challenges the conventional view of success and highlights the intricacies of human experience. This essay delves into several notable works and the characters within them, illustrating how success and unhappiness are intricately intertwined.

Introduction to the Concept

The idea of success and happiness is often intertwined in popular discourse, but not all characters who achieve success find their lives fulfilling. This concept is more thoroughly explored in the literary works of the 20th century. In literature, characters often face intense internal and external conflicts, which highlight the potential for unhappiness even in the midst of success.

Henry Miller’s Autobiographical Fiction: The 7th Cross

The 7th Cross, a semi-autobiographical novel by Henry Miller, presents a vivid portrait of a man named Buck Mulligan, who, despite his evident success, still struggles with profound dissatisfaction. As a writer, Mulligan's career flourishes; however, his life is marked by loneliness and existential angst. His pursuit of higher understanding and fulfillment often leads to isolation, indicating a deep dissatisfaction even in the face of success.

Charles Bukowski: A Raw and Relatable Narrator in Deal of a Lifetime and Ham on Rye

Charles Bukowski, known for his raw and honest portrayal of life, presents a similar theme in his autobiographical works. In Deal of a Lifetime, the protagonist struggles with a series of jobs despite his adeptness, reflecting a broader failure to find satisfaction in success. In Ham on Rye, Henry eyeballs the world with a disillusioned gaze, seeing the success of others as a source of bitterness and envy. Audiobooks and modern adaptations of these works can provide a fresh perspective on the character's experiences and their exploration of happiness and success.

John Williams' Stoner: A Professor's Life

Stoner, written by John Williams, is a poignant novel about John Willard, a literature professor, who achieves great academic success but remains deeply unhappy. Despite his accomplishments, including a prestigious position at a university and numerous accolades, Willard is often lost in introspection, plagued by self-doubt and a sense of disappointment. The novel highlights how material or societal success does not always equate to personal contentment, inviting readers to reflect on the true meaning of success and happiness.

Albert Cossery: The Art of Brokerage in Proud Beggars

Proud Beggars, authored by Albert Cossery, offers a satirical look at the life of a character named Mokhtar, a young man who achieves success through quixotic financial schemes. However, Mokhtar's newfound wealth is not a source of happiness but rather a catalyst for further deceit and moral decay. Cossery's use of irony and satire underscores the idea that external success can often be hollow and misleading.

Walker Winslow: A Man's Life

In If a Man Be Mad by Walker Winslow, the protagonist explores the nuances of success and unhappiness. Winslow's character, despite his material success, experiences profound mental turmoil, raising questions about the relationship between material achievements and inner peace. The novel necessitates a multi-faceted exploration of the protagonist's psyche, reflecting the interplay between external success and internal dissatisfaction.

Concluding Thoughts

Works from the 20th century, as illustrated by the authors discussed, provide a nuanced examination of the connection between success and happiness. From the disillusionment of Henry Miller to the raw truth of Charles Bukowski, and the poignant reflections in John Williams' Stoner, and the ironic portrayal of Albert Cossery and Walker Winslow, these narratives shed light on the complexities of human experience. Indeed, the idea that success predicated on undisturbed happiness lacks substance, inviting readers to question the very nature of success in contemporary times.