Suspenseful, action-packed and thrilling novels have always been popular amongst readers across all age groups. These novels have the power to take readers on a roller coaster ride of emotions, leaving them on the edge of their seats, gasping for breath. Two such novels that have won hearts and caught the attention of readers globally are Marathon Man by William Goldman and Devolution by Lars Emmerich. While both these novels belong to the same genre, they differ in several aspects. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two novels in great detail, analyzing various elements like plot, characters, themes, and treatment of violence and gore.
An Overview of the Plot and Characters in Marathon Man
Marathon Man is a gripping thriller novel by William Goldman that revolves around Thomas “Babe” Levy, a graduate student and a runner who gets caught up in a dangerous conspiracy that takes him through a maze of suspenseful situations. The novel starts with Babe being unaware of the web of intrigues his life is about to get caught up in. His brother, a government agent, gets killed, and he is pursued by a notorious Nazi war criminal who had dealings with his father during World War II. Babe’s search for the truth and to save himself form the crux of this exhilarating novel.
The novel features several notable characters, including Babe’s love interest, Elsa Opel, and his tormentors, Doc and Szell. Elsa forms a significant part of Babe’s life, and their relationship undergoes various ups and downs through the story. Doc and Szell, on the other hand, are cruel and unforgivable, constantly pushing Babe to the brink of danger.
Goldman’s Marathon Man is set in the backdrop of the Cold War era, and the political tensions of the time add to the intensity of the plot. The novel also explores themes of family, loyalty, and betrayal, as Babe uncovers shocking truths about his own family’s past.
The book’s climax is a heart-stopping sequence that takes place in a dentist’s office, where Babe is subjected to unimaginable torture by Szell. The scene is one of the most iconic moments in thriller literature and has been adapted into a memorable scene in the movie adaptation of the book.
An Overview of the Plot and Characters in Devolution
Devolution, written by Lars Emmerich, is an action-packed thriller novel that follows the journey of Sam Jameson, a former Navy SEAL. The major crux of the story revolves around a terrorist group that wants to detonate a nuclear bomb in America. Sam is pulled back into action to prevent the catastrophe from occurring. Alongside Sam, we see characters like Janey Carmichael, who plays a critical part in aiding Sam in his mission, and villains like Omar Salehi, the mastermind behind the terror plot.
Comparing the Writing Styles of William Goldman and Lars Emmerich
Both authors have a unique style that sets them apart from each other. William Goldman’s writing style tends to be more descriptive, giving readers deeper insights into the characters’ personalities and their inner workings. In comparison, Lars Emmerich’s writing style revolves around a fast-paced, action-packed narrative. While both styles successfully deliver their respective novels’ themes, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences when choosing which style resonates with the reader.
The Use of Suspense and Tension in Marathon Man
William Goldman’s approach to creating suspense and tension is exceptionally nail-biting in Marathon Man. He masterfully employs the use of cliffhangers and unexpected plot twists that leave readers hooked onto the story. Goldman’s storytelling makes the readers experience the same sense of suspense and dread that the characters in the novel experience, making it one of the standout features of the novel.
The Use of Suspense and Tension in Devolution
Lars Emmerich’s writing style in Devolution creates high amounts of tension through its fast-paced narrative and the constant physical confrontations that Sam and his team encounters. Throughout the novel, readers experience a sense of anxiousness, never knowing what outcome awaits Sam and his team, adding to the thrill of the story.
The Themes Explored in Marathon Man
Marathon Man explores several themes, including Nazi war crimes, family dynamics, and personal growth. The novel beautifully portrays the horrors of the Holocaust through characters such as Szell and Babe’s father. Goldman further explores themes such as revenge, jealousy and the power of love, making Marathon Man a rich reading experience that evokes several emotions in the readers.
The Themes Explored in Devolution
The themes explored in Devolution include redemption, loyalty, and integrity. The novel focuses on Sam’s quest for redemption after his past failures and his fight for what is morally right. Emmerich goes further to explore the sacrifices Sam and his team make in their pursuit of the greater good, showcasing the importance of personal integrity in the face of adversity.
A Critical Analysis of Marathon Man
Marathon Man is a classic thriller novel that has stood the test of time. William Goldman’s writing style, combined with the novel’s gripping plot, has made it a fan favorite for decades. The novel’s focus on themes like Nazism, revenge, and personal growth adds a layer of depth to the story that keeps readers engaged.
A Critical Analysis of Devolution
Devolution is an action-packed novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. Lars Emmerich’s prose, combined with the novel’s themes, adds layers of complexity to the story that amplifies the reading experience. Emmerich’s masterful handling of action sequences adds an extra layer of intensity that has catapulted this novel to the forefront of the thriller genre.
How Marathon Man Reflects Societal Issues
Marathon Man is reflective of the societal issues that plagued America in the 70s, including crime and the aftermath of the Holocaust. The novel highlights the impact of the Holocaust, which still affected people’s lives, even decades after the atrocity.
How Devolution Reflects Societal Issues
In its own way, Devolution is reflective of the current world that we live in, where terrorism is always a looming threat. Emmerich highlights the ever-growing threat of terrorism in today’s age and showcases its impact on our daily lives.
A Comparison of the Protagonists and Antagonists in Both Novels
While both novels feature protagonists battling villains, the character’s portrayal differs among the books. Babe is a victim who is thrown into a dangerous conspiracy in Marathon Man, whereas Sam is a former Navy SEAL who comes out of retirement to prevent a terrorist attack in Devolution. Doc and Szell, the primary antagonists in Marathon Man, are sadistic and evil, whereas Omar Salehi, the antagonist in Devolution, is a mastermind behind the terrorist attacks.
The Role of Family Dynamics in Marathon Man
The role of family dynamics is pivotal in Marathon Man. The novel portrays how Szell’s war crimes have a lasting impact on him and Babe’s family. Babe, who idolized his father, is devastated when he finds out about his involvement in such heinous crimes. The novel further explores the dynamics between Babe and his brother, showcasing their love and bond inspite of their differences.
The Role of Family Dynamics in Devolution
In Devolution, the role of family dynamics is less prominent, with the novel focusing more on the intensity of the action and the plot. However, we see Sam’s attempts to reconcile with his wife, portraying the importance of familial relationships even in dire circumstances.
The Treatment of Violence and Gore in Both Novels
Both novels feature an ample amount of violence and gore, yet the treatment of it differs. While Marathon Man’s violence is more psychological in nature, with Goldman playing on the reader’s fear and imagination, Devolution employs more physical violence. Emmerich’s approach to on-page gore can be a little more graphic than Goldman’s.
Conclusion
Thriller novels will always be one of the most popular genres of literature. Marathon Man and Devolution are two such novels that have carved their niche in the genre. While they share similar themes and ideas, their approach differs, as does their impact on the readers. Marathon Man delves into intricate family dynamics while exploring Nazism and revenge, while Devolution focuses on terrorism and redemption. Both novels, in their unique ways, showcase the power of storytelling and their ability to evoke multiple emotions in readers.