Evaluation of the Novel "Being There"

Paper Summary:

Discusses Jerzy Kosinski's novel. Perspective of the world from the point of view of the mentally retarded protagonist, Chance. Symbolic use of the garden. Achievement of comic effects by use of language. Author's satirical attack on society & politics, the rich & the powerful. Commends the novel as clever, witty and powerful.

From the Paper:

"Book Evaluation of "Being There"


Jerzy Kosinski's "Being There" presents an unusual perspective of the world from the eyes of Chance, the chief protagonist. Chance is a mentally retarded man who has lived most of his life in isolation from the rest of the world. By using Chance's narrative viewpoint, Kosinski transforms the mundane details of daily life into an unpredictable and thus dramatic spectacle, full of wonder and excitement. Because Chance is a simple man, the dramatic suspense of his entry into the unknown and treacherous world is heightened. Although "Being There" is a witty satire against the rich and powerful, Kosinski's real triumph lies in his ability to show realistically how such a vulnerable man manages to navigate his way through life to the upper echelons of society.


At the star..."

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