The Accidental Tourist Literary Elements

dramatic fiction, realistic fiction

Baltimore, 1980s

Third person, Macon's point of view

Darkly realistic with moments of ironic humor

Macon is the protagonist; his grief and indecision are the conceptual antagonists

Macon and Sarah's separation, as well as the death of their son, Ethan.

Macon finally decides which woman he wants to be with, leaving Sarah in Paris and opting to be with Muriel instead.

The relationship between Julian and Rose is foreshadowed through Julian's sudden interest in joining Leary family dinners .

It is an understatement when Macon self-reflects on his difficulty communicating with loved ones: he does not fully realize the extent to which stumbles socially.

There are several allusions to the novel "Miss Macintosh, My Darling" by Marguerite Young; it is Macon's favorite travel companion.

See the separate "Imagery" section of this ClassicNote.

Macon's profession is writing travel guides; yet throughout his life, he has disliked leaving his comfort zone and anything considered "foreign."

While Macon's siblings are suspicious of his new relationship with Muriel; Macon is also suspicious of Rose's new relationship with Julian.

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