Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller is both celebrated and criticized. Positively, readers appreciate its raw, unfiltered portrayal of bohemian life and innovative narrative style. Negatively, some find its explicit content and misogynistic undertones troubling. Its fragmented structure and explicit prose generate divided opinions, marking it as a polarizing classic in literature.

A reader who enjoys Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller likely appreciates candid, semi-autobiographical fiction that explores bohemian life and existential themes. Comparable to readers of Jack Kerouac's On the Road and James Joyce's Ulysses, they are drawn to unfiltered narratives and complex, introspective protagonists.

In Tropic of Cancer, Henry, an American expatriate and aspiring writer living in Paris, navigates a life of poverty, relying on the kindness of friends while aspiring to create meaningful literature. His days consist of philosophical reflections, interactions with various eccentric characters, and struggles with employment, ultimately leading to moments of brief success and deeper introspection. The source text contains depictions of antisemitism, anti-Black, anti-Chinese, and anti-Indian/anti-Hindu stereotypes and language, as well as instances of misogynistic language, domestic abuse, and alcohol abuse.

Mysterious / Gritty / Emotional / Contemplative / Challenging

- Tropic of Cancer was banned in the United States for nearly 30 years due to obscenity laws before a landmark 1964 Supreme Court decision declared it non-obscene, paving the way for its publication.
- The book was initially published in 1934 in Paris with financial backing from Anaïs Nin, who was both a friend and a significant influence on Henry Miller's work.
- Henry Miller described Tropic of Cancer not as a novel in the traditional sense but as an "autobiography" of his spiritual liberation while living as an expatriate in France.

Henry Miller

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Novel

Tropic

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Tropic of Cancer and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Tropic of Cancer Summary

Background

Tropic of Cancer Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Tropic of Cancer Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-7

Tropic of Cancer Chapters 5-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 8 Tropic of Cancer Chapter 8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-10

Tropic of Cancer Chapters 9-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-13

Tropic of Cancer Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-15

Tropic of Cancer Chapters 14-15 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Tropic of Cancer Character Analysis

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Themes

Tropic of Cancer Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Tropic of Cancer Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Tropic of Cancer Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Tropic of Cancer Essay Topics

Tropic of Cancer

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Tropic of Cancer?

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Book Details