"Seize the Day" is a novel by Saul Bellow that follows the struggles of Tommy Wilhelm, a man facing various personal crises. Wilhelm, once a promising young man, finds himself in mid-life turmoil, grappling with feelings of failure, alienation, and dissatisfaction with his career and personal relationships. His life in New York City is marked by disappointment and a sense of lost dreams, reflecting the existential dilemmas common in Bellow's work.
The plot unfolds over a single day, emphasizing the urgency of Wilhelm's situation as he attempts to reconcile his past aspirations with his current reality. As he interacts with various characters, including his estranged father and a manipulative con artist, Wilhelm's internal conflicts are brought to the forefront. These encounters highlight themes of identity, self-worth, and the relentless passage of time.