"Indignation" is a novel by Philip Roth that explores the life of Marcus Messner, a Jewish teenager growing up in New Jersey during the 1950s. The story is set against the backdrop of a conservative college in Ohio, where Marcus grapples with his identity and the pressures of societal expectations. He is determined to pursue his education and independence, but he faces conflicts with his father, who is overbearing and protective, leading to tension and rebellion in their relationship.
As Marcus navigates college life, he encounters various challenges, including issues of anti-Semitism, personal freedom, and the complexities of young love. His relationship with a fellow student, Olivia Hutton, further complicates his life as he becomes entangled in emotional and moral dilemmas. The narrative delves into the struggles of youth, the search for self-definition, and the inevitability of fate.