The Accidental Tourist: A Study

A detailed Summary of The Accidental Tourist: A Study


The Accidental Tourist, by Anne Tyler

The Accidental Tourist is one of Anne Tyler's most acclaimed novels. Published in 1985, in the same year it was awarded by the NBCC or the National Book Critics Circle (a prestigious association of almost seven hundred book reviewers in America), and in 1988 was made into a major film. The title of the novel is crucial, both thematically and metaphorically. In the novel, the accidental tourist is the name of the conservative travel guide that is written by Macon, the main protagonist. This guidebook is tailored towards reluctant travelling businessmen; it details how to avoid the 'foreign' and how to travel without feeling as though one has left home. Macon himself is a champion of this philosophy, as is revealed in his actions, attitudes and interior monologues. However his fear of the foreign does not limit itself to travel alone; he intentionally ostracizes himself and travels through life avoiding the foreign. The fact that the word 'accidental' features in both the title of Macon's travel book and the novel itself is similarly equally as significant. The accidental is a major theme, and events occur in an accidental fashion, as I will expand


Macon, greatly inspired by her bravery and determination, visualises this scenario in detail:

"'Absolutely not' I tell him, and my right arm is broken so I hold out my left, hold out my palm and stare into his eyes-they can't stand for you to meet their eyes- and get to my feet real slow. And durned if that dog doesn't settle right back on his haunches." (P.113)

4) As a result of his broken leg, he moves back in with his sister and brothers so he can be taken care of.



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Approximate Word count = 3713
Approximate Pages = 15 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels

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