Willard Eggleston
While the reader is likely sick of seeing it, Sometimes a Great Notion contains one more important and distinct perspective, perhaps thanks to the multitude of its perspectives, that enlightens the reader on the true nature of American Individualism. Willard Eggleston, the owner of the local laundromat and movie theater, finds himself in love with a black woman. He proceeds to have sex exactly one time with her, despite his own married status, and has the misfortune of fathering a bastard despite years of marriage and no legitimate sons. He tries his hardest to support the boy, but he struggles to do so. Fewer and fewer people used the movie theater and the laundromat due to economic struggles in the town, and he can barely support himself and his wife, let alone this secret son. But, he decides the only solution is to send his money to his son and commit suicide for the sake of life insurance money.
Willard’s struggle show how hard it is to do something that is against the expectations of society. Many in the town have taken their part in illegal intercourse, as it has two prostitutes who seem to do reasonably well by the trade. But yet, Willard knows the fact that he slept with a colored woman would ruin him. The fact that he loved a woman of a different race would be shameful, and it drives him to madness. The psychological harm of knowing one’s actions will never be accepted is shown by Willard. It is also clear that he could not economically thrive, and his wife always expected the affair, as did some of the town. It was impossible for him to divorce his wife, it was impossible for him to support his son; largely, it was impossible for Willard to follow his dream of loving this woman of color. Willard shows that money does not always flow freely to those who defy America's values. Willard shows that sometimes, the best a rebel can do for his cause is simply to kill himself. While a gruesome notion, it shows that America is far from welcoming to those who are rebellious.
But, sometimes America has a more positive message for those who are hard on luck. Sometimes, there is somebody from the government, and they're there to help.
Willard’s struggle show how hard it is to do something that is against the expectations of society. Many in the town have taken their part in illegal intercourse, as it has two prostitutes who seem to do reasonably well by the trade. But yet, Willard knows the fact that he slept with a colored woman would ruin him. The fact that he loved a woman of a different race would be shameful, and it drives him to madness. The psychological harm of knowing one’s actions will never be accepted is shown by Willard. It is also clear that he could not economically thrive, and his wife always expected the affair, as did some of the town. It was impossible for him to divorce his wife, it was impossible for him to support his son; largely, it was impossible for Willard to follow his dream of loving this woman of color. Willard shows that money does not always flow freely to those who defy America's values. Willard shows that sometimes, the best a rebel can do for his cause is simply to kill himself. While a gruesome notion, it shows that America is far from welcoming to those who are rebellious.
But, sometimes America has a more positive message for those who are hard on luck. Sometimes, there is somebody from the government, and they're there to help.