How is Jack's philosophy on life evolving?
Jacks philosophy on life underwent noteworthy
changes over the course of these chapters. Understanding his earlier years
really helps to understand his character and how he changed overtime. Starting
in his college years he felt emotionally removed from things. One example was
when his roommates were kicked out and he didn’t really care even though he paid
for the spree that caused it. His relationship with Anne was one of the
earliest points in his life where he was passionate about something. He was in
love with Anne, however he didn’t understand what she wanted when she asked him
what he wanted to do nor did he understand her motivations for doing things.
Jack found himself not understanding many people in life, later leading him to
develop his theory of the Great Twitch. This theory radically changed his
philosophy on life, believing that people acted on impulses, Jack felt even
less responsible for his actions. Allowing him to not feel guilt when digging
up dirt on a former mentor such as judge Irwin. Another event that changed
jacks life was when Anne confirmed that she was sleeping with Willy. “I did not say anything. I did not need to.
For, looking at me, she nodded quite steadily.” Jack is very upset by Anne and
Willies affair because Jack had once loved Anne and her reason for not marrying
him was his lack of ambition in life. Jack knows that Willie Talos has tons of
ambition and that probably had to do with Anne’s attraction for him. After
finding out about the affair, Jack decided to head west. Jacks character is
heavily influenced by the relationships in his life that have hurt him, Anne
being the most prominent. In addition to that, he was hurt by his mother. She
sent him away to school and married multiple men instead of trying to establish
a closer relationship with him. Many things are revealed about Jack Burden
during these chapters that allow the reader to understand him much better as a
character.
Hey Will! Great CCQC, I totally agree that a major plot point in the evolution of Jack's philosophy on life is when he finds out Anne is sleeping with Willie. Not only does he then go onto reflect on his life but he begins to establish his theories, for example the great twitch. Jack really needed a wake up call, or at least a reality check; I believe this happens when he asks himself why Anne chooses another man, "I had not understood then what I have now come to understand: that we can keep only the past by having the future, for they are forever tied together. Therefore I lack some essential confidence in the world and in myself" (433). Jack's character from previous traumatic life events has grow to look at the world as bitter and cold, and he himself has become cynical and depressed. Thankfully Jack can be honest with himself and hopefully the more truth that comes out, the more humble he will eventually be.
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