Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

The Apple of Logic

We discuss this concept fully in "Symbols, Imagery, Allegory" where we explain what Teddy means by the term and why it is important to this story. In one sense, the apple of logic acts as an antagonist in that it gets in the way of spiritual advancement. Our protagonist is fully committed to such advancement, so the apple of logic opposes him. Of course, Teddy, being the spiritual guru that he is, has already succeeded in vomiting up all of the problematic apple. Others, however – like Nicholson – have not been so victorious.