Miss Lonely Hearts - The Novel

2008-06-23 14:24:02

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Synopsis of the Miss Lonely Hearts Novel

Although the title implies a romantic theme, Miss Lonely Hearts is actually a novel that is full of black comedy and suspense.

The protagonist, Miss Lonely Hearts, is really a man posing as an advice columnist of a local New York newspaper during the Great Depression era. He receives letters from people who express their frustrations and desperation in trying to survive the difficult times.

Somehow, Miss Lonely Hearts gradually gets affected and overwhelmed by all the problems that his clients were experiencing. He begins to feel just as depressed and hopeless, and this is aggravated by the fact that his own editor constantly torments and bullies him.

He tries to deal with his depression by turning to religion, escaping to the rural areas, and also by dating his clients. Unfortunately, the husband of one of his clients confronts him at the end, resulting in their fighting and accidental falling from the stairs. It was not explicitly stated whether he actually died as a result.

Analysis of the Novel's Theme

The novel illustrates what happens to people emotionally and psychologically when they are experiencing economic and social effects of the Great Depression. The writer centers on the impact of evil and how a depressive environment can trigger extreme psychological upheavals in normal people. Because of the extreme conditions of the times, people have resorted to drinking, sexual infidelity, and other amoral practices just to tide themselves over.

Stage and Film Adaptations of Miss Lonely Hearts

There was a loose movie adaptation with a different title back in 1933 shortly after the novel was written. The movie plot was somewhat changed to reflect a more cheerful comedy and drama combination. The protagonist still played the advice columnist, but he also recommended antidepressants. Later, when his mom dies from the same drugs, he helps the police go after the culprits. He ends up happily married.

A second movie adaptation in 1958, which followed the original plot more closely but with a happier ending. The columnist did not get killed by the jealous husband but was able to marry his true love. In addition, his editor became nicer to him at the movie's conclusion. A remake followed in 1983, which again minimized the cynicism depicted in the novel.

A Broadway version of Miss Lonely Hearts was also produced in 1957, but lasted for only twelve shows. A 2006 opera version was more successful and was co-commissioned by the music conservatories of two large universities.


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