Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth (Book Analysis) : Detailed Summary, Analysis and Reading Guide

Unlock the more straightforward side of Portnoy's Complaint with this concise and insightful summary and analysis! This engaging summary presents an analysis of Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth, whose title refers to the insatiable sexual compulsions experienced by its protagonist. From the outside, Alexander Portnoy appears to live a charmed life: at the age of just 33 he is a brilliant thinker, a successful lawyer and the Assistant Commissioner for the City of New York Commission on Human Opportunity. However, this façade conceals a shameful secret: Portnoy has never felt able to live up to his overprotective parents' impossible standards, and turns to uninhibited sexual encounters and compulsive masturbation as a form of release. The novel's explicit sexual content shocked many readers when it was first published, but it is now widely considered to be one of the finest English-language books of the 20th century. Philip Roth is one of America's most revered living writers, with a career spanning several decades and a host of literary awards to his name. Find out everything you need to know about Portnoy's Complaint in a fraction of the time! This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you: - A complete plot summary - Character studies - Key themes and symbols - Questions for further reflection Why choose BrightSummaries.com? Available in print and digital format, our publications are designed to accompany you on your reading journey. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time. See the very best of literature in a whole new light with BrightSummaries.com!