2. Analogy

In chapter 2 on page 17, I spotted an analogy made by Jake regarding Robert's reading of The Purple Land. "For a man to take it at thirty-four as a guide-book to what life holds is about as safe as it would be for a man of the same age to enter Wall Street direct from a French convent, equipped with a complete set of the more practical Alger books." Alger was an author who wrote stories and poems that addressed the "struggle against adversity to achieve great wealth and acclaim," (http://www-sul.stanford.edu/). Jake states that if one reads a book by Alger, it would not be wise to become so inspired to believe one would instantly find success in a system such as the stock market. Through this analogy, Jake informs the reader that he finds Robert's new thoughts to be complete nonsense as well. It seems almost as if Robert is going through a midlife crisis so he wants to become adventurous like the characters in The Purple Land before it is too late. Jake sees his need for adventure to be a complete waste. To be living according to a book will not bring success or true happiness to Robert.