The Moviegoer

The Moviegoer is a novel written by Walker Percy and published in 1961. It tells the story of Binx Bolling, a young man living in New Orleans who is grappling with a sense of alienation and a search for meaning in his life.

Binx Bolling, the protagonist and narrator, comes from a privileged Southern family but feels disconnected from the world around him. He finds solace in going to the movies, seeking refuge in the fantasy world of the silver screen. Binx feels detached and plagued by a sense of existential malaise.

The novel explores Binx's relationships and encounters. These include his cousin, Kate, secretaries, and his love interest, a young woman named Sharon. Through these interactions, Binx confronts the emptiness and superficiality of modern life and wrestles with his identity and purpose.

Binx's search for meaning takes on a philosophical and spiritual dimension. He seeks transcendence and a sense of authenticity in a world that often feels shallow and devoid of genuine connection. Throughout The Moviegoer, he grapples with questions of faith, mortality, and the pursuit of happiness.

Percy's writing style is introspective and reflective, capturing Binx's internal thoughts and observations. The novel combines elements of Southern Gothic literature with existentialism. It explores the tension between the individual and society and the longing for something more profound in everyday life.