I’m about three-quarters of the way through the book now and so much has happened over the course of the last few chapters. Characters have died, relationships have been tested, and new lives have developed.
One of the reoccurring themes in the novel is related to cheating in a relationship. Earlier on in the book, Garp had several experiences with various women with whom he slept with, or a came closer than he should have. Garp would typically be scolded, but Helen would easily forgive him most of the time. However, when Helen decides to cheat on him, things are drastically different, and the events that followed Helen’s actions lead to the death of the Garp’s young son, Walt.
Helen was a college teacher who taught writing (One of many writing related traits possessed by characters in the novel). A young male student began flirting with her from the first day, and she couldn’t help but find him alluring. Helen clearly stated to the student, Michael, that she had absolutely no interest in a real relationship, only a sexual one. Ironically the lust that Helen gives into here was the focus of one of Garp’s previous books. This coincidental irony that someone close to Garp is participating in one of the actions he writes about is not the only situation of its kind. Garp’s literary work may seem hypocritical at times, since it tends to reflect his personal inner struggles and the problems of those around him, but Garp writes negatively about these issues with a great perspective and understanding of where they stem from.
Helen immediately becomes racked with guilt about cheating on Garp, but her lust makes it difficult for her to stop. When Garp begins to piece things together, he tells Helen that he’s taking the kids to the movies, and instructs her to cut off her relationship with Michael right away. Garp, being the paranoid person he is, gets up in the middle of the movie and calls the house to talk to Helen, when she doesn’t answer, Garp assumes she and Michael are having intercourse again.
Garp rushes home with the kids and drives up the driveway using the dangerous method he uses throughout the book; turn off the headlights, and coast up through the darkness. Through the thick layer of snow on the windshield, Garp cannot see Michael’s car parked in front of the house, with Michael and Helen in it. The crash is violent and several consequences occur, some of which are quite graphic. The most important one however, is the death of Walt.
Irving was certainly conveying a strong message here. Had it been an accidental and unavoidable car accident, Garp and Helen would still be filled with grief, but it would not be nearly as severe as what they endured. The car crash, and death of an innocent child was caused solely by lust, selfishness, and mistrust. Had the situation between Michael and Helen never occurred, young Walt would still be alive. Despite the horrible causes of Walt’s death, Helen and Garp quickly forgive each other. This suggests that beyond selfishness, beyond greed, and beyond our betrayals lies forgiveness, a force so powerful that even in the most emotional and desperate times, it can sweep through and heal the self inflicted wounds of humans.
“’I’m so sorry,’ Garp said; he hugged her.
In the midst of a conversation between Helen and Garp, their feelings and grief break the surface. Rather than a heated argument about who’s to blame, and who was responsible for the passing of Walt, both parents hold a complete sense of understanding for each other, and exchange sincere apologies. No matter how destructive human nature may seem at times, there is an opposite side of the spectrum with emotions and passion so strong they can overcome anything.
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