In Libra the most interesting character is without a doubt Lee Harvey Oswald. Most people probably already know Oswald as the man who shot Kennedy, however Libra gives us a side to Oswald that we never knew.
The title Libra is named after the astrological sign symbolizing balance and harmony. Throughout the entire book Oswald seems to be searching for his own balance in society. This search eventually leads to him assassinating the president.
We follow Oswald through many stages in his life. We start with Oswald when he was a kid and his talks with his mother. Oswald then becomes stationed with his fellow Marines at a naval base in Japan. However once becoming a soldier, Oswald defects to Russia. It seemed as soon as Oswald got to Russia, he then wants to return to America. As soon as Oswald returns to America his discharge is deemed as dishonorable.The FBI start causing trouble for him, his boss fires, and his attempts to enter Cuba was refused at the Cuban Embassy. It seemed that Oswald just doesn't really fit in anywhere. Oswald seems to have so many different identities, however each of these identities just don’t seem to fit in. Oswald almost seems like a child in some cases as he just does what he wants to do.
I also find it interesting that Oswald keeps a diary which he believes will be studied in the future. Even though Oswald does not really have a place he belongs, I can see that by thinking he has a important diary, it shows his ambition to do great things .
Oswald is a very interesting character and I believe Delillo’s depiction of him is very unique. I very much enjoy this mysterious and somewhat crazy side to Oswald. I so far very much enjoy this book.
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