The Lost Weekend (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: Charles Jackson
- First Published: 1944
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Psychological realism
- Time of Work: Twentieth century
- Setting: New York City
- Genres: Long fiction, Psychological fiction, Melodrama
- Subjects: New York, North America or North Americans, Northeast, U.S., United States or Americans, Authors or writers, New York City, Restaurants, bars, taverns, or pubs, 1930’s, Alcoholism or alcoholics, Substance abuse, Drinking or drunkenness, Theft, Hallucinations or illusions, Hospitals, Pawnbroking or pawnbrokers
- Locales: Manhattan, NY
Characters Discussed
Don Birnam, an unsuccessful writer who becomes an alcoholic. Even though his friends and relatives try to help him, he has no wish to overcome his alcoholism. When sent to a rest farm for a cure, he manages to find liquor there. He is left alone one weekend; to get liquor, he takes the housekeeper’s money, tries to steal a purse in a restaurant, and finally manages to borrow some money. He is hospitalized for a few hours; upon his release, he immediately goes to get more whiskey to satisfy his need.
Wick Birnam, Don’s brother. He tries to help...
[The entire page is 546 words long]
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