The Role of Family and Identity in Brady Udall’s The Lonely Polygamist (2010)

Expanding the Roles:
Brady Udall’s The Lonely Polygamist provides a fascinating lens through which literature students can explore complex family dynamics and individual identity. Golden Richards, the protagonist, faces a constant tension between his roles as a father, husband, and individual. The novel plays with the idea of how one can be simultaneously overwhelmed by familial responsibilities while feeling isolated in a marriage with multiple wives.

• Family Structure and Its Societal Impacts:
  The role of family in The Lonely Polygamist is not just about the personal experiences of the characters, but also a commentary on societal structures and the traditional family model. Students can analyze how Udall’s portrayal of polygamy serves as an exploration of power dynamics, generational conflict, and the tension between societal expectations and personal desires.

• Identity Struggles in a Complex Family:
  Golden’s internal conflict is central to the narrative, with his identity continuously shaped by the pressures of his polygamous lifestyle. Students can explore how Udall uses Golden’s struggle with identity to address broader themes of masculinity, emotional vulnerability, and personal freedom within the context of a family structure.

What We Learn:
The Lonely Polygamist allows students to examine how authors use the family unit to comment on larger societal norms and values. The novel also highlights the personal quest for self-identity, making it a valuable study in character development and the impact of social structures on individual lives.