Study Guide for Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer

Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer is one of the most controversial and acclaimed novels of the 20th century. First published in 1934, the novel was banned in the United States for its explicit sexual content and its portrayal of drug use and prostitution. Despite the controversy, Tropic of Cancer has been praised by critics for its literary merit and its unflinching honesty.

This study guide will help you understand Tropic of Cancer and its significance in American literature. We will discuss the novel's plot, characters, themes, and style. We will also provide you with some questions to think about as you read the novel.

Study Guide for Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Course Hero

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1354 KB
Print length	:	48 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Plot Summary

Tropic of Cancer is a semi-autobiographical novel that tells the story of Henry Miller's life in Paris in the 1930s. The novel is narrated by Miller himself, who tells the story of his relationships with women, his struggles with poverty, and his search for meaning in life.

The novel begins with Miller's arrival in Paris in 1930. He is penniless and alone, and he quickly falls into a life of poverty and debauchery. He spends his days drinking, taking drugs, and sleeping with prostitutes.

As the novel progresses, Miller's life in Paris becomes increasingly chaotic and self-destructive. He loses his job, his apartment, and his friends. He is arrested and jailed for vagrancy. He is even beaten up by a group of thugs.

Despite all of the hardships he faces, Miller refuses to give up on life. He continues to write, and he eventually finds some measure of success. The novel ends with Miller leaving Paris for Greece, where he hopes to start a new life.

Characters

The main characters in Tropic of Cancer are Henry Miller, the narrator, and Carl, his friend. Miller is a struggling writer who is trying to find his place in the world. He is a complex and contradictory character, who is both self-destructive and resilient.

Carl is a fellow artist who is also struggling to make a living. He is a more cynical and pessimistic character than Miller, but he is also more loyal and supportive.

Other important characters in the novel include Mona, Miller's first wife, and Van Norden, a wealthy patron of the arts. Mona is a beautiful and intelligent woman, but she is also troubled by mental illness. Van Norden is a successful businessman who helps Miller financially, but he is also a manipulative and controlling figure.

Themes

Tropic of Cancer is a novel that explores a wide range of themes, including:

• The search for meaning in life
• The nature of love and relationships
• The role of art in society
• The destructive effects of poverty and war
• The importance of freedom and individuality

Miller's novel is a powerful and moving exploration of the human condition. It is a novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Style

Tropic of Cancer is written in a highly unconventional style. The novel is full of stream-of-consciousness writing, and it often jumps back and forth in time. Miller also uses a great deal of slang and profanity in the novel.

Miller's style can be challenging for some readers, but it is also part of what makes the novel so unique and powerful. Miller's writing is raw and honest, and it gives readers a unique glimpse into his mind.

Questions to Think About

As you read Tropic of Cancer, consider the following questions:

• What do you think of Henry Miller's writing style?
• How do you relate to the characters in the novel?
• What do you think are the main themes of the novel?
• What do you think of Miller's portrayal of women?
• What do you think of the novel's ending?

Tropic of Cancer is a challenging and rewarding novel that is sure to stay with you long after you finish reading it. Henry Miller's writing is raw and honest, and it gives readers a unique glimpse into his mind. The novel explores a wide range of themes, including the search for meaning in life, the nature of love and relationships, and the role of art in society.

Whether you love it or hate it, Tropic of Cancer is a novel that is sure to make you think. It is a powerful and moving exploration of the human condition, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in American literature.

Study Guide for Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Course Hero

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1354 KB
Print length	:	48 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE