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The author states that Hiram McDowell's development occurred in Part 1 and his decline in Part 2, but I see this otherwise. To me, Hiram started to live in Part 2 because of the people he met, while in Part 1 he was a self-absorbed and selfish person. What do you think?

I most definitely agree, he is less self-absorbed. He begins to appreciate the simple and profound features of life like caring, selflessness and companionship.

Bookmermaid wrote: ↑19 Oct 2018, 20:20 I most definitely agree, he is less self-absorbed. He begins to appreciate the simple and profound features of life like caring, selflessness and companionship.

Yes, and the valuable lessons passed to him by the families he met. I think the best thing that happened to Hiram was the Jail break.

In my opinion the real character development happened in the part two sections of the book.

Bavithra M wrote: ↑22 Oct 2018, 03:25 In my opinion the real character development happened in the part two sections of the book.

Couldn't agree more!

I don't really remember the author mentioning about this. But definitely as per my best understanding, the development of the main character, Hiram McDowell happened in Part 2 and the story ended on the grounds of complete development of the character.

McDowell was a privileged and selfish man in Part 1. (His $600,000-car symbolizes this episode in his life.) He became a fugitive and generous man in Part 2. (The meager belongings in his backpack show how he has changed.) I wish all bad people (myself included) will have a "Part 2" to redeem themselves.

I believe both parts are essential to the story.

I completely agree with you! I felt that McDowell finally began to live and develop into a decent human-being in part 2 whereas he was a simple-minded and selfish jerk in part 1. Although his downfall in part 1 set part 2 in motion, the real character development was in part 2.

I agree with you Part 2 was the real development. The first part of the book he was shown as a selfish, uncaring, arrogant man. He only cared about himself, his accomplishments, and his money. The second part of the book was where his humanity started showing. He seemed to actually care about his kids (still not his wife though), and seemed to appreciate people and things not associated with his money. I think part of that process of him changing was not just his change in circumstance, but also reflecting on his memoir, and perhaps realizing what type of person he had been.

I agree with you. Hiram started to live in Part 2. In Part 1 he was inconsiderate and selfish. Though I would have loved to know a little bit about his family history to understand why he was that way.

I must say that it really was part 1 that characterizes McDowell. We hated him for sure and for me, it is what the author really says about him. McDowell really is quite despicable here. Regarding part 2, certainly we didn't see it as Hiram's decline but it is where he finally opened himself up to people around him and ended up a very changed man.

I think that as in real life, all of our experiences lead up to what we become; therefore, I think Hiram's bad character began to evolve in Part 1 and started to lead to his more positive qualities that developed in Part 2.

I agree with you. I think Hiram's character really started to grow and develop when he began to connect on a deeper and more emotional level with the people in his life.

You are correct. Hiram was a poor definition of a human being in the first part. His character developed in the second part of the book. He learned about life and living only after his fall from power.

In the first part of the novel, Hiram leads a luxurious life. He enjoys name, fame, money, status, etc. As a doctor and mountain climber, he keeps himself busy. He is portrayed as a bit selfish and money-minded person. But, his personal life seems like happy and manageable.

In the second part, Hiram loses all his luxuries and leads a normal life. As a fugitive, he roams from place to place to earn his living. He meets many people on his way and makes new acquaintances. The changed circumstances make him introspect and change his attitude for others. His real personality unveils in part 2 of the novel.