One of the first things we learn about Amory Blaine is that he's a total hottie. In fact, it's his good looks that get him through most of his young life without becoming a total outcast. Amory is a socially awkward guy, but people are always willing to make excuses for him because he's sooo pretty.
As he gets older, Amory realizes how much he's benefited from this superficial thinking and he hates himself for it. Even more so, he hates the world for being so superficial, because now that he's older, money matters more than good looks. And he has no plans to work hard for money anytime soon… at least that we see in the timeline of This Side of Paradise.
Questions About Appearances
- How much do Amory's good looks influence the development of his personality? What evidence can you show for your opinion?
- What's the first thing Amory likes about Isabelle, Rosalind, and Eleanor? Does the pattern suggest that he's a superficial dude?
- How often does Amory size someone up just by looking at them? Is this usually a reliable way to judge a person's character?
Chew on This
In This Side of Paradise, we learn that people often judge a book by its cover… and they're usually right.
This Side of Paradise reminds us that it's hard to develop a deep personality when the world is constantly rewarding you for your good looks.