Summary
First published: 1963
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Humorous psychological realism
Time of work: Early 1960's
Locale: New York City
Principal Characters
Norman Moonbloom, oversees four apartment buildings as a real-estate agent
Irwin Moonbloom, Norman's brother and owner of the buildings
Gaylord Knight, the janitor with a unique perspective
Bodien, an unlicensed plumber adding to the chaos
Eva, Minna, and Lester Bailey, a pair of doting aunts and their nephew
Arnold and Betty Jacoby, an elderly, long-married couple
Marvin Schoenbrun, a meticulous homosexual tenant
Stanley Katz and Sidone, free-spirited jazz musicians
Sherman and Carol Hauser, a middle-aged couple facing life’s challenges
Aaron and Sarah Lublin, refugees from a troubled past
Basellecci, an Italian teacher with his own burdens
Jerry Wung, a Chinese beatnik adding cultural variety
Beeler, an elderly widower trying to find his way
Sheryl, Beeler's supportive daughter
Kram, a hunchbacked photograph retoucher
Wade Johnson, a schoolteacher struggling with daily life
Leni Cass, a divorcee looking for a fresh start
J. T. and Milly Leopold, a retired carpenter and his wife
Ilse Moeller, a German immigrant
Karloff, a centenarian Russian immigrant
Sugarman, a philosophical vendor with a sweet twist
Joe Paxton, a black homosexual writer
Del Rio, a boxer fighting his own battles
Louie, a bachelor content with solitude
Jim and Jane Sprague, a young couple expecting their first child
Analysis
"The Tenants of Moonbloom," released after Wallant's untimely death, is a novel that blends humor with a deep exploration of human dignity. It depicts a transformative journey resembling a spiritual awakening, yet it remains grounded in the gritty realities of life. Wallant's unique style sets the novel apart from popular literary trends, neither aligning strictly with Jewish thematic narratives like those of Malamud and Roth, nor fully engaging with the absurdist tones of writers like Heller and Pynchon.
This novel stands as a testament to Wallant's evolving craft, marking a significant improvement in narrative structure from his earlier works, "The Human Season" and "The Pawnbroker." He moves beyond the flashbacks and the confines of introspection seen in previous offerings, presenting a more cohesive and forward-moving story. Central to the narrative is Norman Moonbloom, an unlikely protagonist who begins as a detached and unengaged individual, reflecting the struggles of the tenants he encounters.
Norman's journey is one from inertia to vitality. Initially, he is numb to the world around him, existing in a bubble of complacency. At 33, he is both an emotional and physical virgin, untouched by life's joys and pains. He becomes the ear that listens to the woes and stories of his eccentric tenants, who, despite their dire circumstances, maintain a semblance of dignity through their comedic yet poignant efforts to cope with life's chaos.
The narrative unfolds as a documentation of Norman's gradual awakening. His indifference is shattered as he becomes more than a passive observer; he is compelled to engage with the world around him. Suddenly, the voices of his tenants resonate with him, triggering a profound internal shift. He embarks on a mission to rejuvenate the four buildings he manages, not out of altruism but as an effort to redefine his own existence.
While some tenants face tragic outcomes like accidental death and attempted suicide, and Norman himself is seduced for a rent reduction, these events highlight the futility of superficial fixes. Despite his efforts in renovating the buildings, Norman realizes that true change extends beyond physical repairs, impacting his inner life more profoundly....
(This entire section contains 791 words.)
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His actions, initially aimed at transforming the external, ultimately lead to personal growth and self-discovery.
The climax of both personal and structural restoration is symbolized in the rebuilding of a wall in Basellecci's apartment. Basellecci, who is terminally ill, blames a defective wall for his condition, although it's depression that truly ails him. The reconstruction, marked by a drunken but joyous collaboration among Norman, the janitor, and the plumber, becomes an emblem of solidarity and the shared human experience. Here, laughter and camaraderie momentarily alleviate the absurdity of their circumstances.
"The Tenants of Moonbloom" excels in weaving rich humor with poignant themes, transcending its vivid character portrayals to probe deeper philosophical questions. It is a tale that is as much about Norman's self-renewal as it is about the broader human condition. Wallant's psychological realism draws readers into a participatory experience, prompting them to reflect on their own lives and the barriers they must overcome.
In a literary landscape often dominated by ambiguity and existential doubt, Wallant's narrative courageously confronts the inherent challenges of existence. He navigates through the absurd and the complex without allowing them to overshadow the story's core message. His ability to carve out meaning from the chaos of modern life offers a refreshing perspective that emphasizes human potential and the enduring power of laughter amidst adversity.