s. Wilhelm always fights with his fears and pressures. His father, Dr. Adler, does not help him. Wilhelm learns the hard way that:
“The money makes the difference.”
Tommy Wilhelm understands that money has created distance between him and his father. Dr. Adler sees him as a failure who should solve his own problems. So, the title “Seize the Day” becomes ironic because Wilhelm cannot take control of his life.
Urgency and Pressure: The title also shows the urgency and pressure Tommy Wilhelm feels. Wilhelm feels the urgency and pressure that he must seize the day and improve his financial conditions. Otherwise, he might not survive. The novel takes place in one single day. But on this day, Wilhelm feels many emotions, realizations, and struggles. He is desperate to find some hope and relief, either by getting money through Dr. Tamkin’s investment advice or by getting sympathy from his father. At 44 years old, separated from his family, Wilhelm knows time is running out for him. The narrator says,
“Oh, this was a day of reckoning... on which... he would... look at the truth.”
This shows how Wilhelm feels the pressure to act quickly to change his life. This fact matches the title “Seize the Day” and creates tension in the story.
Dr. Tamkin’s Mantra: The title’s “Seize the Day” also becomes Dr. Tamkin’s mantra of manipulation. Dr. Tamkin is a tricky and unreliable character. He manipulates Wilhelm. Tamkin tells Wilhelm to live in the present and not worry about the past or future. He says:
“The past is no good to us. The future is full of anxiety. Only the present is real—the here-and-now. Seize the day.”
Tamkin’s advice sounds good, but it is manipulative. It leads Wilhelm to invest all his savings in the risky stock market without thinking about the risks. So, Tamkin’s message shows the idea of seizing the day. But it puts Wilhelm into more trouble instead of helping him.
Wilhelm’s Emotional Release: At the end of the novel, Wilhelm has an emotional breakdown at a stranger’s funeral. He cries openly. He lets out all the fear and sadness he kept inside. The narrator says:
“He... sank deeper than sorrow... toward the consummation of his heart's ultimate need.”
This means Wilhelm finally releases his deepest emotions. Although he does not succeed in life, this moment becomes his way of “seizing the day.” He accepts his pain and reality, which is a small victory in his broken life.
In conclusion, the title “Seize the Day” is both ironic and fitting for the novel. While Wilhelm’s life is filled with failure and struggle, the novel shows his attempt to grasp the day’s opportunities. In the process, he becomes manipulated and realizes the hard realities of life.
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