American Pastoral

by Philip Roth

Start Free Trial

Summary

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

American Pastoral is a novel that explores the unraveling of the American dream through the life of Seymour "Swede" Levov. Set against the backdrop of post-war America, the story examines the complexities of family, identity, and societal change. Through Nathan Zuckerman's perspective, we delve into the life and tribulations of Swede, whose seemingly idyllic existence is shattered by unexpected violence and personal tragedy.

Paradise Remembered

Chapter 1American Pastoral opens in the Weequahic neighborhood of Newark, New Jersey, a predominantly middle-class area. Nathan Zuckerman, a writer and the narrator, reminisces about his high school days in the late 1940s. He particularly remembers Seymour Levov, affectionately nicknamed "the Swede," who was a local hero and renowned athlete at Weequahic High School during World War II. Swede was not only admired for his athletic prowess but also for his charismatic persona. After serving in the Marines as a drill instructor, Swede graduated from college and married Dawn Dwyer, a former Miss New Jersey.

Zuckerman recounts a chance encounter with Swede in 1985 while watching a Mets game in New York. Swede introduced him to his friends as "the greatest athlete in the history of Weequahic High School." A decade later, Zuckerman receives a letter from Swede inviting him to dinner. Swede expresses a desire to discuss his recently deceased father, who had endured "shocks that befell his loved ones." During their dinner, however, Swede primarily speaks of his sons, leaving Zuckerman frustrated by his inability to discern the true depths of Swede's character.

Chapter 2
At his forty-fifth high school reunion, Zuckerman reconnects with his old friend Mendy Gurlik. They somberly reflect on classmates who have passed, including those lost to prostate cancer, which Zuckerman has survived. Zuckerman also encounters Ira Posner and Alan Meisner as they reminisce about their school days. Unexpectedly, Jerry Levov, Swede's brother, joins the gathering.

Chapter 3
Jerry informs Zuckerman of Swede's recent death from prostate cancer. He speaks warmly of Swede's generosity and successful glove manufacturing business. But Jerry reveals that Swede's life was ultimately marred by his daughter Merry, who, at sixteen, planted a bomb in a local post office as a protest against the Vietnam War, killing a doctor. Known thereafter as the Rimrock Bomber, Merry's actions shattered Swede's seemingly perfect life.

Jerry recalls a poignant moment when he found Swede, typically composed, crying in his car. Swede confessed that Merry, who had gone into hiding post-bombing, was dead. Jerry believed Swede had stayed in contact with her all along. Harboring resentment, Jerry scorned Merry, believing Swede was better off without her.

Jerry continues to share details of Swede's life, noting Dawn's apparent dissatisfaction and Merry's stutter, which Swede tirelessly tried to remedy through therapy. Despite his efforts, their daughter's disdain grew, leaving Jerry puzzled over how such misfortune could befall someone like Swede.

Intrigued, Zuckerman decides to write a book centered on Swede's life, aiming to uncover the man beneath the exterior. As he reflects on the reunion, Zuckerman speculates that the true subject Swede wanted to discuss was not his father, but his daughter.

The Fall

Chapter 4
Four months after the bombing, Rita Cohen, claiming to be a graduate student, visits Swede's factory under the pretense of researching the leather industry. As Swede shows her around, she reveals that Merry wants her Audrey Hepburn scrapbook. Realizing Merry has sent her, Swede arranges to meet Rita the next day, ultimately handing over personal items belonging to Merry. Rita, however, refuses to divulge Merry's whereabouts and derides Swede as an oppressive capitalist. In a desperate bid to find his daughter, Swede later meets...

(This entire section contains 1072 words.)

Unlock this Study Guide Now

Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.

Get 48 Hours Free Access


Rita at a hotel, bringing cash as demanded, but leaves in disgust when Rita taunts him with sexual advances.

As years pass, the nation is plagued by anti-war bombings. Two years after Merry's disappearance, a bomb explodes in Greenwich Village, killing its maker. Swede clings to the hope that the woman involved was Merry, but is repeatedly met with disappointment.

Swede reflects on Merry's fascination with the self-immolation of Buddhist monks, an image that terrified yet intrigued her as a child. He becomes consumed with finding Merry, even imagining conversations with political radical Angela Davis, whom he believes knows Merry’s location. Trying to uphold his integrity, Swede recalls his decision to keep his factory in Newark despite the riots, hoping to demonstrate a steadfastness to his absent daughter.

Chapter 5
In 1973, Swede receives a letter from Rita Cohen, giving him information about Merry, who is working under an alias at a pet hospital in Newark. The news comes at a time when Dawn is finally recovering from the tragedy, having undergone a facelift and persuaded Swede to sell their old stone house. Swede visits the pet hospital, leading to an emotional reunion with Merry.

Chapter 6
Merry, now a practitioner of Jainism, has embraced a life of extreme asceticism. She wears a mask to avoid harming even microscopic life. Living in squalor, Merry admits to the post office bombing but denies sending Rita Cohen. Her life since the bombing has been one of constant movement and assumed identities, marked by further bombings and personal trauma. Swede is devastated by the revelation of his daughter's rape during her fugitive years, but Merry refuses to return home. Conflicted, Swede confides in Jerry, who criticizes Swede's reticence and challenges him to act decisively regarding Merry.

Paradise Lost

Chapter 7
Returning from his meeting with Merry, Swede finds himself amidst a family dinner, overshadowed by the Watergate scandal. Despite his internal turmoil, Swede remains silent about Merry's whereabouts. The dinner guests include the Orcutts, with whom Dawn is having an affair. Swede, troubled by this betrayal and the presence of Sheila Salzman, who once sheltered Merry, struggles to mask his emotions.

Chapter 8
Amidst discussions about Watergate and cultural permissiveness, Swede grapples with the knowledge of his wife's infidelity and Sheila's betrayal. As tensions rise, Swede's insecurities about his family's place in the community are laid bare. He is tormented by the idea that the new home being designed will be for Dawn and her lover, Bill Orcutt.

Chapter 9
A jarring phone call from Rita Cohen leaves Swede more perplexed about Merry’s connections. Accusations fly, further deepening Swede's confusion and despair. Confronting Sheila about her role in hiding Merry, Swede lashes out, his composure fracturing. As the dinner party dissolves into chaos, echoing the disorder of the times, Swede is left to ponder lost opportunities and the unraveling of his once idyllic life.

Next

Themes

Loading...