This section of The Moviegoer features Binx being awoken by the mailman delivering a letter from Harold Graebner. Binx says, “Harold Graebner probably saved my life in the Orient and for this reason he loves me.” (Page 87) This letter includes a birth announcement for Harold’s baby and a letter asking if Binx would like to be the godfather. This letter results in Binx becoming cynical about his idealistic youth and his father’s efforts to improve his health, both of which, he believes, were in vain. Amidst his hunt, Binx feels unfit to relate sincerely to somebody as self-confident as Harold. In the response that Binx had drafted, we can see that he is almost responding out of jealousy that Harold has his life together, blaming his soul searching and the fact that he’s separating himself from catholicism and cannot be the child’s godfather. He does not end up sending a response letter from what we see in this section.
The Moviegoer Chapter 2, Section 5
Aug 30th, 2023 by Ellie Smith
Thank you for sharing your insights on this particular section of the literary work! Your analysis of this section highlights the complexity of Binx’s character and the ways in which the novel explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the clash between idealism and reality. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, and something that I have noticed to be prominent throughout the entirety of the work.
Binx’s sense of cynicism and his belief that his soul-searching has led him astray from Catholicism are central themes in this novel. The contrast between Binx’s uncertainty and Harold’s self-confidence adds depth to the narrative. Additionally, Binx’s hesitance to be the child’s godfather seems to stem from his own sense of inadequacy and his awareness of the disconnect between his own life journey and the stability Harold represents.