The amazing adventures of kavalier and clay - Essay Example

The Amazing adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Introduction The Amazing adventures of Kavalier and Clay is about two cousins Josef Kavalier and Sammy Klayman. They are from two different backgrounds. After escaping from the Nazis in Prague, Joe hopes that Sammy will help him secure a job. The two boys Americanize their names so that they can fit in; Joe Kavalier and Sammy Clay. With their creativity they come up with a comic book about a superhero. They sell the idea to Sheldon Anapol who readily buys it.

Joe informs Sammy later on in the book about his training as an escape artist, whereas Sammy’s story of his father being the braves Jew in the world. With these ideas, they come up with a symbol of the two- The Escapist. This paper will look into the unfolding in the book giving a clear understanding of the same. The Escapist is the alter ego of Joe and Sam in several ways. Joe is a trained escapist. As such, he is able to escape most of the challenging things he faces just like the Escapist.

He manages to escape the reign of the Nazis in Prague. He even uses his artistic creativity put the experience on paper. There are instances were he also escapes. The happy relationship he had with Rosa, for instance. He also escapes the carbon monoxide poisoning, madness, his family, as well as, Sammy. Joe is a real-life escapist in the novel. Sammy escapes from reality through daydreaming. He manages to escape from having to travel with his father. Another instance where Sammy’s escapism is manifested is when he escapes from providing for his family; mother and grandmother.

However, his escapist nature is brought out more clearly when he escapes from the reality of his being homophobic. When he is publicly said to be a homosexual, he is relieved. The alter ego is crucial for the Escapist. This other self revealed in the escapist gives a leeway for the escapist to avoid some situations that are challenging. Realism is heightened with the escapist roaming the world to rescue those chained by despotism. An insight of the lives of Joe and Sammy is brought out. Escapism and their alter egos play vital roles in bringing out the stories of their lives.

The feelings of these characters are brought out in many instances. Feelings of guilt on exuberant living are felt by Sammy. His sexual orientation is also brought out revealing some of the intimate issues affecting the characters. Love and happiness is also explored within the escapism theme. Both Joe and Sammy find love in Rosa and Tracy. Joe leaves Rosa after he fails to protect his brother. He considers himself a failure thus the feeling of guilt. The Luna Moth is about Rosa. With the luring nature she has, she captures men.

Both Joe and Sammy are entangled in the allure of Rosa. The Luna moth or the Actias luna is a worm that uses its pheromones to call male. The beauty that Rosa had attracted men leading to cases love, hate, and guilt. Joe still loves Rosa. He knows of Tommy but he does not want to reveal that he is Tommy’s father. When Tommy sees him and invites him to dinner, Joe declines the invitation. It is evident to Tommy that Joe is not in a position to figure his way to return home. Joe acknowledges that he has not been able to escape from the fear and habit which hindered him from returning back home.

Work CitedChabon, M. The Amazing adventures of Kavalier and Clay. New York: Radom House, 2004.print