The Bonfire of the Vanities

Questions About The Bonfire of the Vanities

by Tom Wolfe

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Answered Questions (2)

Just saw a piece that listed 10 worst films created from some of the best literature. Tom Wolf's "Bonfire of the Vanities" was on the list. I have not yet read it...should I?
Reid By all means, you should read this novel. And yes, the movie was terrible.

A great many critics say this book is a satire of Wall Street excess, but t…moreBy all means, you should read this novel. And yes, the movie was terrible.

A great many critics say this book is a satire of Wall Street excess, but this is missing the point. The book is about the fissures between races and ethnic groups in post-modern Manhattan, and its protagonist is a Wall Street bond trader who suffers as a result of a media circus that he doesn't deserve. Even though Sherman McCoy, the trader, is the object of some ridicule, he is clearly the most sympathetic, hardest-working, least opportunistic character in the book, who stands to lose everything after he takes a wrong turn into the Bronx and has a violent altercation with two African-American youths during a robbery. His life becomes a media circus and he stands to lose his fortune because the Mayor's office and the law enforcement officials are desperate to prove that they don't favor white defendants in the justice system. Their search for the fabled Great White Defendant proves that they are willing to sacrifice an innocent man — McCoy injures no one in the book — in order to further their careers and improve their public personae as fighters of racism. (less)
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A criticism of this book that I see often is that Wolfe is not remotely subtle or nuanced and leaves little room for the reader's own interpretation when discussing race, class and capitalism. Additionally, his discussion of these issues in the US of the 80s is now outdated as today's readers are generally more aware and accepting of them. In this context, what do you think readers can take from this book in 2020?
Fred I totally disagree with the criticism. Wolfe talks about things that are just as relevant today. He pokes fun at phoney ministers, points out people's…moreI totally disagree with the criticism. Wolfe talks about things that are just as relevant today. He pokes fun at phoney ministers, points out people's alterior motives, egos etc. Just because it's not politically correct to call out a phoey minister, doesn't mean they don't exist. Nothing is off the table. He's not trying to trying to write some deep social commentary. (less)
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