Competitiveness and American Capitalism

            One of the most interesting contradictions I have seen thus far in Franzen’s Freedom is that almost all of the characters, aside from the college-aged Joey, consider themselves liberal-minded. While perhaps this is true for their political views (although I am not yet convinced), it is certainly not an accurate description of the way they behave. On the contrary, the characters are so viciously competitive that they create the perfect portrayal of cut-throat American capitalism.

            On Monday we discussed the competitive relationships that had emerged so far: Patty versus virtually everyone and Walter versus Richard. Now, as the book progresses, practically the only relationships that have developed are, indeed, more competitive ones. Lalitha must constantly compete with Patty, as well as Jessica, for Walter’s affection. Walter transitions from competing with Katz to competing with his own wife, Patty, for control in their relationship. Joey, the only character who is actually meant to represent capitalism, constantly and cruelly fosters competition in Connie who must fight to keep him interested in her.

            One passage in which this atmosphere of cut-throat competition is blatantly clear is when four of the characters – Walter, Katz, Jessica, and Lalitha – sit down to discuss business and not one of them can get through a sentence without directly provoking someone else. When Walter defends Jessica’s argument instead of Lalitha’s, Franzen writes that Lalitha “turned on him,” and later Jessica “rolled her eyes impatiently” (382). The language throughout this scene evokes an intense sense of competitiveness, and demonstrates that truly almost none of the characters can get along.

            In addition, Walter and Patty’s entire relationship falls apart during this section of the book, and what is one of the primary catalysts of this disaster? Competition between them, of course. When Patty is too apathetic to compete whole-heartedly with Lalitha for Walter’s love – knowing that that fight would be a hopeless one – she instead directs her competitiveness in another direction. Patty and Walter begin to compete insanely for control in their relationship, especially in regard to their children. Patty’s secret financial assistance to Joey triggers immense anger in Walter, and Walter and Patty have one of their worst brawls at this point. As they argue over whose parenting method is better, Patty declares “You’re just as competitive as I am, you just won’t tell the truth about it” (350). Indeed, almost every character is just as competitive as Patty is, which is why the novel turns into such a high-wired, depressing configuration of arguments and hatred.

            I do not think Franzen made these “liberal” characters so competitive without a purpose, however. I believe the reason he throws in so much discussion about capitalism throughout the novel is to prove that everyone in American society has turned competitive, even the ones who claim not to be so. Not even the liberal-minded are safe today, because every American is trained to be relentless and vicious in the path to getting what they want. Competitiveness in the novel represents the way of the modern world.