Trying to Avoid Reality

Stereotypes often limit the way people live which leads them to desire a reality that is not their own. In Philip Roth’s “Goodbye, Columbus”  Neil Klugman lived an alternate reality when he met Brenda Patimkin. Brenda comes from a wealthy Jewish family, on the other hand, Neil is from a lower-class Jewish family, and when he is first introduced he is living with his Aunt Gladys. Due to his living situation, the unlikely relationship between the two takes form. 

Due to the stereotypical nature of the pair, they begin their relationship off with lies in hopes to make themselves appear better to the other. During the relationship Neil progressively distanced himself from his lower-class roots in order to fit into the new reality with the Patimkins. The progression of Neil’s new reality is shown while conversating with his Aunt Gladys about spending more time with Brenda and the Patimkins, and not attending the family’s New Year celebration Rosh Hashana. 

  After Brenda’s brother, Ron, got married the argument over the diaphragm became the main focus of their relationship.  And because of the unstable foundation of the relationship, the opposing opinions would make them crumble. The consequences of Neil not attending Rosh Hashana to spend time with Brenda led to the couple’s downfall.

Everybody has a desire to want something more in their life than what they have, and Neil Klugman proves this to be true when he leaves Brenda to return to his reality.