Making the wrong seem somewhat right, and being liked despite all wrongs

I have yet to feel a sense of full understanding of Grady Tripp, but as of now I see many parallels between Tripp and Amory Blaine. The absence of a parental figure in their lives seems to have affected them in some shape or form. This is apparent in some of the reckless decisions they make, with Tripp running away from his grandmother and succumbing to drugs, and Blaine failing school and quitting his job. Tripp for some reason passes over as a much more likeable character. Perhaps this is partly due to the first person narrative that gives us an insight into his emotions, making him seem more human than the emotion deficient Blaine. Tripp also seems to have a better sense of direction that Blaine, maybe in part due to their difference in maturity with Blaine almost half the age of Tripp. Nonetheless, I get the sense that Tripp has meaning to his life, that the process of writing his fourth book Wonder Boys forms an important aspect of his life. Tripp has a true passion for writing, he has too many ideas than the pages of a book can hold and this passion for something in life is what I always felt was lacking in Blaine.

I find it interesting that I disliked Portia from Admissions for having an affair with John during her commitment to Mark, but I do not feel the same hostility towards Tripp despite the fact that he is adulterer and breaks Emily’s heart. I definitely feel sorry for Emily, taking into consideration the fact that she fought so hard to mend their marriage but I speculate that their relationship could still continue. I believe it is the way in which Tripp presents his flaws to us to explain his wrongdoings that make us forgive him for his actions. When he admits he’s a man “who falls in love so easily” and “with such a reckless lack of consideration for the consequences” of his actions, though we may not approve of his actions we understand why he did so and hence do not feel infuriated towards him. Portia never explains to us the reasons for her affair, so we view her as selfish and dishonest.

Sara and Tripp have an interesting relationship, though I feel much of which is built on lies, primarily on Tripp’s part. I’m rather surprised that Tripp does not reveal the details of the dog or the stolen jacket as I thought their relationship was stronger. It is evident that Sara is foolish in believing Tripp when he says he wants to be with her, that he loves her, that he will tell Emily he is having a baby with Sara. Tripp himself admits being “appalled” that despite Tripp for five years and seeing his loose ways she has so much trust in him. As Tripp reveals to us that deep down inside he wants to tell her to get an abortion, I predict that the story of Sara and Tripp is a disaster waiting to happen. Tripp still retains love for Emily, and the roses hint towards the fact that he will try reconcile with her possibly.