I think it’s interesting
how Ciara says that the narrator is going through a midlife crisis as the
comparison is, for the most part, true. The narrator’s attitude changes
dramatically after splitting with his wife and he becomes depressed. Yet after
meeting Dean, the narrator becomes drawn towards the adventure and exuberance
Dean embodies and seems to finally recognize his own freedom and the value of excitement.
The narrator now purposefully initiates the trip to the West that he had before
only vaguely thought about but never got around to. I don't think his change
in attitude is necessarily tied to realization of his age, but more of the
recognition of his new situation and the ability to take advantage of it after
becoming inspired by Dean. In addition, I
don’t particularly think that the narrator tries to live vicariously through
Dean, as Ciara says. This could imply that the narrator does not really apply
himself and is happy just observing Dean without attempting anything himself. The
narrator does use Dean as a sort of muse to write and enjoys hearing about his
adventures, yet he is not completely sedentary as he joins Dean on trips to New
York. However, I do see what Ciara means as Dean inspired the narrator into developing his
current attitude and is the reason why the narrator aimed to undertake the trip
towards the West.
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