Seize the Day Lesson Plan

How is this novel different from others you have read? (In terms of style, themes, etc.)

Each student will have a different response to this prompt. Many will note the time frame - the novel takes place over the course of one day. Others will note the psychological aspect - most of the action of the novel occurs internally for Wilhelm and sometimes Dr. Adler. While events occur, the novel feels less episodic than students may be used to. This leads to another key aspect of Bellow's work: the way in which tension is sustained over the course of several chapters in which few things actually occur. Finally, students may have differing views on the thematic concerns of the...