Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Dr. Tamkin

Dr. Tamkin may be one of the novel's antagonists, but he's also Wilhelm's guide and mentor, and the only person who gives Wilhelm the sustained attention and caring he craves. One scene over breakfast sums up their entire "it's complicated" relationship. Tamkin tells Wilhelm that he's been concerned for him lately, and has been "treating" him "for some time." Wilhelm replies:

Without my knowing it? I haven't felt you doing anything. What do you mean? I don't think I like being treated without my knowledge. I'm of two minds. What's the matter, don't you think I'm normal? (4.105)

The novel's narrator adds:

And he really was divided in mind. That the doctor cared about him pleased him. This was what he craved, that someone should care about him, wish him well. Kindness, mercy, he wanted. But—and here he retracted his heavy shoulders in his peculiar way, drawing his hands up into his sleeves; his feet moved uneasily under the table—but he was worried, too, and even somewhat indignant. For what right had Tamkin to meddle without being asked? What kind of privileged life did this man lead? (4.105)

Although Tamkin swindles Wilhelm out of his savings and brings about his bankruptcy, he also shows him that he cares—sort of.