Literature is a living being, which constantly evolves and continues to mutate in order to resonate with the issues members of current society have to face. It is evident that any great work of literature is undeniably unique in its attempt to reflect the concerns of the masses. However, in order to do so, an author often relies on generic elements that hold true despite the test of time. In The talented Mr. Ripley, Patricia Highsmith (1999) manages to combine a variety of easily accessible and time-resistant themes and create a story that people can relate you decades, if not centuries, later. This essay is going to explore how The talented Mr. Ripley engages readers in a multi-layered discussion of class, identity, and ethics.
While children enjoy reading about princesses and kind wizards, adults tend to relate to well-written villains on a much deeper level. Highsmith (1999) examines amorality in the novel as a way to challenge the readers in their own stances on what is right or wrong. The theme of good and evil is not a novelty attributed exclusively to writers of the 20th century. It is a universal aspect of human existence to ponder about the meaning of amorality. The character of Tom Ripley is an example of a man, who thinks beyond the duality of the aforementioned argument. Through the portrayal of Tom, the author asks the readers whether evil actions should be condemned even when they are justified as necessary to reach a certain goal.
Another important theme of the novel is the gruesome reality of class struggles, which is demonstrated through a juxtaposition of Tom and Dickie. Two similar-looking men could have more different lives because of their upbringing and social status. Tom essentially commits “a forgery against himself” in an effort to attain upper-class privilege Dickie possesses (Highsmith, 1999, p. 197). The protagonist commits to “real annihilation (…) of himself (…) and his rebirth as a completely new person,” thus betraying himself (Highsmith, 1999, p. 125). The novelist tries to demonstrate how much a person is defined by their wealth and social standing, which is a universal issue throughout human history.
In conclusion, a writer’s talent is often defined by their ability to examine elements of human existence, which are universal and withstand the test of time. In The talented Mr. Ripley, Patricia Highsmith uses the characterization and storyline as tools to explore generic themes. As the protagonist struggles to re-invent himself in an effort to attain wealth and social acceptance, betraying oneself and becoming someone else entirely seems to be the only way to achieve said goals.
Reference
Highsmith, P. (1999). The talented Mr. Ripley. Vintage.