The failed quest of the narcissist in the novels of Saul Bellow

Bellow's novels are viewed through an autobiographical lens revealing the author's Narcissism. Narcissism involves the quest themes of self, love, and marriage. Bellow's novels are seen as symptomatic of clinical Narcissism, which is most apparent in his attitude towards love and marriage. Bellow and his fictional protagonists share in their failure to acknowledge the Otherness of wives and lovers. Augie fails to realize himself, and requires the adulation of several women. Dr. Tamkin's narcissistic reasoning justifies Tommy Wilhelm's divorce, and that of the author. Henderson's hero journey devolves into psychological quackery. The disingenuous Herzog fails in his attempt to self-treat his Narcissism following his divorce. Charlie Citrine is thwarted in his quest by his failure to resolve his divorce. The failure of Benn Crader's marriage informs Kenneth Trachtenberg's misogyny. Chick's misogyny towards Vela is equally apparent with Rosamund.