Search for Values and Self-Knowledge
Dangling Man centers on the timeless pursuit of values that can guide one's life. For Joseph, the protagonist, this quest for deeper meaning is inextricably linked to the need for self-knowledge, encapsulated in his reflection: "But I must know what I myself am." This journey unfolds against the backdrop of World War II, a setting that starkly contrasts human freedom with the deterministic forces of war. The conflict serves not only as a dramatic backdrop but also intensifies Joseph's internal struggle between embracing autonomy and succumbing to external pressures.
Joseph embarks on this quest by meticulously documenting his "record of inward transactions," hoping that introspection will yield self-definition. He believes that with adequate time for self-reflection, a clearer sense of identity is attainable. However, as months pass, Joseph finds himself mired in frustration, causing distress to himself and those around him. His anticipated epiphany remains elusive, and the pressure mounts as his sense of inertia grows.
Ultimately, Joseph's journey culminates in his decision to abandon this introspective struggle, opting instead to request induction into the military. His choice underscores the complex nature of his quest, highlighting the reasons behind his failure and its implications. The narrative of Dangling Man delves deep into the challenges of self-discovery and the pursuit of meaningful values amidst a world fraught with determinism and conflict.
Compulsive Dualism and Failure
At the center of Joseph's struggles in Dangling Man lies a compulsive dualism, a persistent oscillation between internal contemplation and external reality. His quest for self-definition is hindered by his inability to bridge the chasm between his inner world and the larger societal framework. As this divide grows more pronounced, Joseph retreats inward, seeking to define himself in isolation from the social sphere. Ironically, this inward turn undermines his initial goal of navigating life's challenges within the world. The further he withdraws, the more the outside world fades from view, propelling him to anchor his identity in a self that exists independently from social interactions.
The crux of Joseph's failure is his inability to conceive a self that exists without the context provided by society. As he attempts to construct an autonomous identity, the futility of this endeavor becomes apparent. His recognition that freedom is illusory and that identity is invariably shaped by external and historical forces leads Joseph to a reluctant acceptance of social determinism. The act of requesting induction into the military is emblematic of his surrender to this external influence, a stark contrast to his original intent to dismantle such constraints.
Joseph’s capitulation is poignantly illustrated by a seemingly mundane incident towards the novel's conclusion. When he tries to cash his wife Iva’s paycheck at a bank, he is dismissed because he lacks employment. This encounter with the bank president starkly underscores Joseph's loss of societal identity; in the eyes of the institution, his lack of a job renders him invisible, non-existent. His isolation has reached such an extent that he has relinquished the very identity that society confers. In this moment, Joseph's journey reflects a broader existential truth: the struggle to define oneself in opposition to societal norms often results in a deeper entanglement with those very structures.
Struggle for Moral Order
In a world where individuals often find themselves ensnared by societal corruption, Joseph emerges as a figure whose journey reflects a deeper refusal to accept an identity tainted from the outset. His self-absorption may not stem from a misguided belief but rather from an unwillingness to conform to a flawed social structure. Although Joseph's quest appears doomed from the beginning—suggesting that man cannot simply shed his social obligations—his struggle carries an undeniable nobility. By striving to uphold the supremacy of human reason and imagination, Joseph engages in a brave, albeit losing, battle against the perceived chaos surrounding him.
Even if his perception of society's dysfunction is either erroneous or self-serving, Joseph deliberately chooses his path. His request for induction could be seen as an acknowledgment of social interconnectedness or as a concession of defeat for unassisted human intellect. Regardless, Joseph's decision to relinquish his freedom signifies a conscious choice. His shortcomings do not diminish the significance of his quest; they highlight the inherent challenges in pursuing moral and intellectual autonomy.
Joseph may not possess the moral or intellectual tools needed to achieve a wholly self-sufficient rationality. Yet, his steadfast commitment to rationality and refusal to succumb to meaninglessness epitomizes Bellow's central theme: the struggle for moral order is an essential human endeavor. This relentless pursuit underscores the necessity of striving for ethical clarity, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
