"American Pastoral" Characters Analysis

"American Pastoral," written by Philip Roth, is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of American society in the 20th century. This character analysis aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the key characters in the book, their roles, traits, backgrounds, character arcs, and relationships.

List of Characters

Seymour "Swede" Levov

Role Identification

Seymour "Swede" Levov serves as the central protagonist in "American Pastoral." He is an all-American athlete who achieves success in his personal and professional life, only to be struck by tragedy when his daughter becomes involved in radical political movements.

Character Description

Swede Levov possesses an iconic appearance with his handsome features and athletic build. He is depicted as a devoted husband, loving father, and successful businessman. Swede is deeply rooted in his Jewish heritage, and this aspect of his identity often influences his choices and actions.

Character Traits

Swede Levov is characterized by his relentless optimism, integrity, and determination. He is a compassionate and empathetic individual who genuinely cares about others. Throughout the story, he demonstrates unwavering loyalty toward his family and friends, making sacrifices to protect them.

Character Background

Swede Levov was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. Coming from a Jewish background, he struggled to fit in during his early years, but eventually found his place and excelled both academically and athletically. After marrying Dawn, he takes over his father's successful glove manufacturing business.

Character Arc

Swede Levov experiences a significant character arc throughout the novel. Initially representing the epitome of the American Dream, his world is shattered when his daughter Merry becomes involved in violent political activism. Swede's life becomes consumed with trying to locate and understand Merry, which leads him on a journey of self-reflection and disillusionment with the American Dream.

Relationships

Swede Levov's relationships play a crucial role in shaping his character and the events of the story. His marriage to Dawn is initially portrayed as ideal, but their relationship becomes strained as the consequences of Merry's actions unfold. His brother Jerry provides support and guidance, offering a contrast to Swede's optimistic worldview. The complex dynamic between Swede and his daughter Merry drives much of the novel's plot.

Merry Levov

Role Identification

Merry Levov serves as the primary antagonist in "American Pastoral." Driven by her radical beliefs, she commits a violent act that forever alters the lives of those around her.

Character Description

Merry Levov is described as a diminutive girl with striking features and a stutter, which she overcomes as she grows older. Despite her beauty, her radical beliefs and destructive actions overshadow her physical appearance.

Character Traits

Merry Levov is characterized by her rebelliousness, idealism, and anger toward societal inequalities. Her deep-seated dissatisfaction with the world drives her to join a violent political movement, believing it to be her only path to enact change. Merry's inner turmoil and frustration manifest in her radical actions, causing significant turmoil for her family.

Character Background

Merry Levov grows up in an affluent Jewish household. She struggles with her identity, feeling disconnected from her heritage and resenting her privileged upbringing. Merry's dissatisfaction with societal norms and her parents' expectations eventually leads her to join a radical organization.

Character Arc

Merry Levov's character arc revolves around her transformation from an innocent young girl to a radical activist. Her actions and beliefs become increasingly extreme, causing irreversible damage to her family and ultimately leading to her fugitive status. Merry's arc highlights the devastating consequences of unchecked idealism and the tragic impact it can have on individuals and their loved ones.

Relationships

Merry Levov's relationships, primarily with her parents, provide insight into her character and motivations. Her strained relationship with Swede and Dawn is a driving force behind her radicalization, as she struggles to reconcile her anger and disillusionment with their seemingly idyllic lives. Various friends and associates within her radical organization also shape her journey.

Dawn Levov

Role Identification

Dawn Levov plays a significant role as Swede's wife, providing a contrasting perspective on the challenges faced by the Levov family.

Character Description

Dawn Levov is portrayed as a beautiful and poised woman. While initially representing the perfect wife and mother, she starts to unravel as the family's problems escalate.

Character Traits

Dawn Levov is characterized as a free-spirited and sensitive woman. She possesses a strong sense of independence and struggles with societal expectations placed upon women during that era. Dawn's vulnerabilities and inner conflicts are exposed as she navigates the increasingly turbulent events surrounding Merry's radicalization.

Character Background

Dawn Levov comes from a less affluent background than Swede, and her marriage into the Levov family provides her with a higher social standing. Despite this, Dawn never fully assimilates into their world or feels completely accepted, which shapes her character and choices.

Character Arc

Dawn Levov experiences a gradual disintegration of her previously structured and predictable life. As her daughter's actions unfold, Dawn's facade of control begins to crumble. Her character arc showcases the fragility and resilience of an individual in the face of unexpected and traumatic events.

Relationships

Dawn Levov's relationships, particularly with Swede and Merry, profoundly impact her character arc. Her evolving relationship with Swede highlights the strain placed on their marriage, as they struggle to come to terms with Merry's actions. Dawn's interactions with Merry illuminate the tensions and misunderstandings between them, eventually leading to a moment of reckoning.

Nathan Zuckerman

Role Identification

Nathan Zuckerman serves as the narrator of "American Pastoral." As a writer and character in several of Philip Roth's novels, Zuckerman provides an outside perspective on the Levov family and their experiences.

Character Description

Nathan Zuckerman is a perennially single writer who becomes intrigued by the Levov family and their story. He is depicted as an intellectual with a deep understanding of the human condition.

Character Traits

Nathan Zuckerman is characterized by his curiosity, analytical nature, and introspective qualities. As a writer, he is highly observant and adept at capturing the complexities of the human psyche. Zuckerman's intentions to uncover the truth about the Levov family's experiences highlight his persistence and the depth of his engagement with their lives.

Character Background

Nathan Zuckerman is a fictional alter ego of Philip Roth, and his background mirrors that of the author. As a Jewish writer, Zuckerman's experiences and perspective provide a lens through which the story unfolds.

Character Arc

While Nathan Zuckerman does not experience a dramatic character arc in "American Pastoral," his involvement with the Levov family allows him to reflect on his own life and understand the complexities of human nature. Zuckerman's presence as the narrator and observer enables readers to gain a deeper understanding of the events and emotions at play.

Relationships

Nathan Zuckerman's relationship with the Levov family is primarily one of observer and confidant. He forms a close bond with Swede, acting as a sounding board for his struggles and providing a supportive presence throughout the narrative. Zuckerman's connection with the Levovs exposes his own vulnerabilities and reflections on his life as a writer.

Conclusion

"American Pastoral" presents a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own distinct roles, backgrounds, and complexities. The interplay between protagonists and antagonists allows readers to explore the themes of identity, disillusionment, and the challenges inherent in the pursuit of the American Dream. Through Seymour "Swede" Levov, Merry Levov, Dawn Levov, and Nathan Zuckerman, Philip Roth crafts a narrative that delves deep into the human condition, leaving a lasting impact on readers.