Critical Essay
Jonathan Franzen's novel "Freedom" is aptly titled for numerous reasons. It explores the dynamics of a post 9-11 mid-western family, and what the term freedom actually means to each of them. Whether it be the freedom from parental control, or the freedom from a spouse and stressful home life, this book sheds light on the personal journeys of each member of the Berglund family, and how they each strive for freedom.
Evidence of each protagonist's yearning for freedom:
-Patty's long running affair which Richard Katz and the internal conflict that it sparked as shown through her autobiography in the first few chapters
-Walter's eventual affair with his intern Lalitha, and how Lalitha's presence in the Berglund home causes further rifts in the family and Walter's intentions
-Joey's wish to be free from Connie and his Mother, but his eventual return and dependence on both of them for support once the world stops giving him everything he wants
Evidence of each protagonist's yearning for freedom:
-Patty's long running affair which Richard Katz and the internal conflict that it sparked as shown through her autobiography in the first few chapters
-Walter's eventual affair with his intern Lalitha, and how Lalitha's presence in the Berglund home causes further rifts in the family and Walter's intentions
-Joey's wish to be free from Connie and his Mother, but his eventual return and dependence on both of them for support once the world stops giving him everything he wants
Reviews Summary
Reviews for both "The Corrections" and "Freedom" were consistently positive for similar reasons, and the only criticisms for each book were similar as well.
"Freedom" was praised for its in depth look at the obstacles that a broken family face, as well as its superb character development. One common theme among reviews, however, was that "Freedom" had a tendency to drone on at times, and many passages were overdone. Its literary merits were not lost on anyone though, as all the reviews I read for it said it was well deserving of its distinctions (including the Oprah's book club nomination).
"The Corrections" was highly praised for its dry sense of humor, and gripping storyline. Some reviewers called it "The next great American novel" which may seem like a stretch, but after reading the book I could see where the justification lies. The only big criticisms for "Corrections" was that it was confusing at times in the sense that the story jumped around from person to person frequently.
"Freedom" was praised for its in depth look at the obstacles that a broken family face, as well as its superb character development. One common theme among reviews, however, was that "Freedom" had a tendency to drone on at times, and many passages were overdone. Its literary merits were not lost on anyone though, as all the reviews I read for it said it was well deserving of its distinctions (including the Oprah's book club nomination).
"The Corrections" was highly praised for its dry sense of humor, and gripping storyline. Some reviewers called it "The next great American novel" which may seem like a stretch, but after reading the book I could see where the justification lies. The only big criticisms for "Corrections" was that it was confusing at times in the sense that the story jumped around from person to person frequently.