The Bonfire of the Vanities

by Tom Wolfe

Start Free Trial

The Bonfire of the Vanities Summary

The Bonfire of the Vanities is a novel by Tom Wolfe in which Sherman McCoy must deal with the fallout of a hit-and-run car accident that results in the death of Harold Lamb.

  • Wealthy investment banker Sherman McCoy and his mistress, Maria Ruskin, are the perpetrators of a hit-and-run car accident in which Harold Lamb is gravely injured.
  • Peter Fallow, an alcoholic journalist, and Reverend Reginald Bacon, an opportunistic preacher, hype up the case after Lamb identifies McCoy.
  • McCoy is put on trial for manslaughter after Lamb dies. Ruskin, despite being the one driving at the time, refuses to admit her own guilt.

The Bonfire of the Vanities Study Tools

Ask a question Start an essay

Summary

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

The Bonfire of the Vanities chronicles the unraveling life of Sherman McCoy, a self-assured Wall Street banker whose world teeters on the edge of collapse. At thirty-eight, he is professionally successful, with a family he negligently cherishes due to his dual existence. Engaged in an affair with a younger woman, Sherman’s carefully constructed life starts to crumble when a twist of fate sets off a chain of catastrophic events.

A Wrong Turn

One fateful evening, Sherman and his mistress, Maria Ruskin, get lost in the Bronx after taking an errant exit off the highway. As they navigate the eerie slums, a barricade of trash blocks their return to the expressway. When Sherman steps out to clear the rubbish, they are confronted by two menacing youths. In a panic, Maria takes control of the car, urging Sherman to get back inside. In her haste, she accidentally strikes one of the youths before speeding away.

The Aftermath

The following morning, the news of a hit-and-run involving a boy named Harold Lamb is splashed across the papers. Lamb, who is severely injured and comatose, eventually identifies the vehicle involved. The incident is sensationalized by journalist Peter Fallow, who paints Lamb as a saintly figure victimized by a wealthy white driver. The media frenzy turns the spotlight on Sherman, who becomes the embodiment of racial and social tensions.

The Pressure Builds

As public outrage grows, the police are compelled to take action, largely swayed by Reverend Reginald Bacon, a manipulative figure exploiting the situation for personal gain. Under immense pressure, Sherman confesses to the authorities but chooses to protect Maria by omitting her role in the incident. This decision marks the beginning of his descent into a convoluted legal system.

The "Great White Defendant"

Sherman finds himself ensnared in a justice system eager to use him as a scapegoat. The prosecution seeks to capitalize on his downfall for political gain, while his defense exploits his financial resources. The truth becomes secondary as both sides focus on winning rather than justice. Sherman, stripped of his previous naivety, becomes entrenched in the harsh realities of a legal battle.

Underworld Exposure

Thrown into jail, Sherman shares confinement with hardened criminals, a stark contrast to his privileged upbringing. The oppressive environment forces him to confront the brutal aspects of life he had previously been insulated from. Through this, Sherman learns the necessity of self-reliance and resilience in an unforgiving world.

A Fall from Grace

The scandal costs Sherman his job, as his firm distances itself from the negative publicity. The loss of income precipitates financial ruin, compelling him to sell his luxurious Park Avenue apartment. Yet, the funds remain inaccessible, entangled in a lawsuit pursued by Lamb’s family and a real-estate agent. Meanwhile, Maria, unwilling to testify, leaves Sherman isolated in his fight.

Legal Battles

Sherman's initial trial, facing a reckless endangerment charge, is dismissed by Judge Kovitsky, who stands firm on the principles of justice over public pressure. However, his second trial ends without a verdict as the jury fails to reach a consensus. After Lamb’s passing, Sherman faces a manslaughter charge, threatening him with a lengthy prison sentence.

The Ultimate Downfall

In the novel’s conclusion, Sherman is a man transformed by hardship, stripped of wealth and status. He becomes a solitary fighter against the judicial system and the frenzied masses inflamed by media manipulation. Sherman’s journey through the fire exposes the perils of ambition and the fragile nature of privilege in the face of societal upheaval.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Next

Themes

Loading...