Read This: Rumaan Alam on Class, Desire, and Dread
Dec 30, 2024
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Rumaan Alam, a best-selling author celebrated for his thought-provoking novels, delves into compelling themes of class and identity. He explores the complexities of social status in America, critiquing the aspirational wealth mindset. Alam also shares insights on parenting's influence on children's perspectives and reflects on navigating wealth and identity through unique characters. The conversation expands into the theme of dread in contemporary literature, comparing his work 'Entitlement' with Sylvia Plath's 'The Bell Jar', highlighting societal pressures and oppressive atmospheres.
The influence of class in America complicates identity politics, revealing how socioeconomic factors shape individual voting behaviors against self-interest.
Desire for status and material possessions is a central theme in Alam's narratives, illustrating the tension between aspiration and reality in contemporary life.
Deep dives
Exploration of Class in American Culture
Class is a significant factor in the cultural and political landscape of the United States, as highlighted in the discussion about Ruman Alam's novels. The conversation touches on how politicians, like Donald Trump, manipulate class dynamics to connect with different socioeconomic groups, showcasing the complexities of identity politics. This complexity is further complicated by how individuals often vote against their self-interest due to aspirations shaped by the notion of the American Dream, which promises upward mobility despite the reality of their circumstances. As a result, the dialogue emphasizes the pervasive yet slippery nature of class in influencing personal and societal experiences.
Desire and Aspirations as Motivating Forces
Desire, particularly for status and material possessions, serves as a central driving force in Alam's narratives, creating a compelling framework for character development. Characters often grapple with their aspirations, leading to tension and conflict, as seen in his latest novel, 'Entitlement,' where the protagonist longs for a life of luxury that is ultimately unattainable. The concept of aspiration influences not only individual choices but also broader societal behaviors, demonstrating how these desires shape people's lives and interactions with wealth and privilege. This exploration of human longing illustrates how contemporary life often elevates material acquisition to a central theme, echoing cultural messages ingrained from a young age.
The Complexity of Wealth and Philanthropy
Wealthy characters in Alam's stories, such as the octogenarian billionaire in 'Entitlement,' are depicted with nuanced motivations, challenging the typical portrayal of the corrupt rich. The discussion reveals how characters like Asher Jaffe exemplify the complexity of their situation, as they attempt to navigate philanthropy while grappling with the consequences of their wealth. This portrayal invites readers to reconsider the dynamics between wealth, self-awareness, and philanthropy, suggesting that not all wealthy individuals are inherently villainous or altruistic. Ultimately, this complexity prompts reflection on how wealth shapes personal identity and social responsibility in contemporary narratives.
Rumaan Alam is a best-selling author who made a splash in 2020 with his critically acclaimed novel Leave the World Behind. In this episode, from Schwartz Media’s podcast Read This, Rumaan joins Michael for a conversation about his latest novel, Entitlement, and they discuss class, desire, and the influence of Sylvia Plath.
Reading list:
Rich and Pretty, Rumaan Alam, 2016
That Kind of Mother, Rumaan Alam, 2018
Leave the World Behind, Rumaan Alam, 2020
Entitlement, Rumaan Alam, 2024
You can find these books and all the others we mentioned at your favourite independent book store.