Appointment in Samarra - Classic Text | Alexandria
Appointment in Samarra, John O’Hara's 1934 novel, is a tautly constructed tragedy exploring the self-destructive spiral of Julian English, a wealthy car dealer in Gibbsville, Pennsylvania, mirroring a timeless parable. While often viewed simply as a cautionary tale of social transgression and its inevitable consequences, the novel probes deeper into themes of fate, class, and the illusion of free will, suggesting that destiny, once invoked, cannot be escaped.
The central anecdote, from which the novel derives its title, predates O'Hara by centuries, appearing in various forms across cultures. One of the earliest known iterations can be traced back to ancient Babylonian folklore. The story tells of a servant attempting to flee a prophesied encounter with Death by seeking refuge in Samarra, only to find Death waiting there, having known all along where their appointment was scheduled. This motif of inescapable fate resonates through Persian Sufi texts and finds a particularly poignant retelling in W. Somerset Maugham's 1933 play, Sheppey, widely believed to have inspired O'Hara's adaptation, illustrating the story's enduring power across diverse artistic media and philosophical traditions. The Great Depression served as the backdrop for O'Hara's narrative; a period riddled with anxiety and uncertainty.
O’Hara's novel quickly established itself as a landmark of American literature. Its unflinching portrayal of social mores, coupled with its exploration of existential dread, has led to constant reevaluation. Some interpret it as a scathing indictment of the American upper class, while others view it as a study of individual psychology under pressure. The story's central question - Could Julian English, through different choices, have altered his tragic end? - remains fiercely debated. The narrative continues to haunt readers, prompting contemplation on the intricate relationship between human agency and predetermination.
Appointment in Samarra’s impact reverberates through contemporary literature and film, its thematic echoes found in works that grapple with questions of destiny and free will. Does the allure of Samarra signify a desperate attempt to outrun the inevitable, or does it represent a preordained stop on a predetermined path? The enduring mystery continues to challenge us to consider whether our actions truly shape our destinies or if, like Julian English, we are merely fulfilling an appointment we cannot avoid.