In this week’s episode of the Lit Fiction Podcast, Joey, Colin, and Jennifer discuss The Buggy by Roddy Doyle, published in the June 24, 2024 issue of The New Yorker. The story revolves around an aging man who stumbles upon an abandoned buggy near the sea, leading to a deep introspection about his role in the world, his past, and his sense of agency. This tale explores themes of aging, purpose, and identity, as well as the psychological nuances of what it means to be “useful” in society.
Our Thoughts
Joey opens the discussion by sharing his experience with the story, mentioning that his initial readings left him indifferent, but the third reading brought new insights. He interprets the narrative as a fantastical exploration of the protagonist’s struggle to find purpose after his children have grown up and left, with the buggy symbolizing his longing for external validation.
“I think this was an excellent exploration of that toxic hyper productivity and the damage that it can cause all of us when we are no longer in a position to contribute in ways we were used to.”
— Joey
Colin appreciates the story’s minimalistic style, drawing comparisons to previous readings like Nabokov, but he finds The Buggy refreshingly simple in structure. He sees the protagonist’s journey as a commentary on the anxieties of aging, grappling with a sense of lost purpose and confidence.
“It’s about a man who is grappling with a sense of being feckless, and there’s this internal struggle of reckoning with his lost agency.”
— Colin
Jennifer focuses on the theme of fatherhood and the emotional weight of the protagonist’s relationships with his family. She emphasizes the tactile nature of the memories he shares, such as vividly recalling childhood sensations, but contrasts this with his lack of emotional connection to his role as a father.
“He said he could remember being a boy in vivid detail—he could taste it, feel it—but he had no memories like that of being a father. That’s such a huge question mark.”
— Jennifer
Key Themes Discussed
- Purpose and Productivity: The story delves into the idea of hyper-productivity and self-worth, as the protagonist reflects on his life and the societal pressure to remain useful, even after his children no longer depend on him.
- Aging and Agency: The protagonist’s struggle with aging and the loss of his former sense of purpose is a central theme, particularly in how he attempts to regain that sense of agency by rescuing the buggy.
- Memory and Emotional Disconnection: The contrast between the protagonist’s vivid childhood memories and his lack of emotional connection to his fatherhood is explored, raising questions about memory, emotion, and identity.
- Heroism and Self-Deception: Joey and Colin discuss whether the protagonist’s actions were truly heroic, or if they were motivated by a desire to be seen as relevant and valued. The conversation also touches on the idea of self-deception in the way the protagonist embellishes his story to his son.
- Abandonment: Jennifer brings up the recurring theme of abandonment, not only in the physical sense with the buggy but also in the protagonist’s emotional relationships, particularly with his children and family.
Conclusion
The group concludes that The Buggy is a rich exploration of aging, identity, and societal roles. Doyle masterfully weaves themes of productivity, abandonment, and heroism into a narrative that leaves readers questioning the protagonist’s true motivations and the broader implications of his actions. Despite its simplicity, the story resonates with universal human experiences, making it both thought-provoking and emotionally impactful.