Heretic’s Heart: A journey through spirit & revolution by Margot Adler is a biography, which tells the story of the life and character formation of the writer. The book touches upon important moments of life, which invariably leave an imprint on the personality of the woman. Various historical events also played a major role in the life of the writer. The attitude of Americans towards communism, the events in Cuba, the assassination of President Kennedy, and many other important historical episodes echoed in the character of Margot Adler.
Margot navigated her participation in important historical events through her parents’ views and opinions. In the second chapter, Margot Adler recalls the events of the sixties, when US President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. This event threw the young girl into shock, but what surprised her most was the indifference of her parents. Margot Adler felt like a stranger surrounded by parents and family friends who were sympathetic to communism. Moreover, the events around the Berlin Wall made her feel that, as an American, she did not understand something (Adler 44). At school, teachers and classmates mourn the death of the president and condemn the Soviet Union and communism. At the same time, at home, Margot meets her parents’ indifference to the events in Dallas and support for the enemy ideology. Thus, the author feels lost in her feelings, as she cannot understand how to respond to such occasions.
Another major historical occurrence for Margot Adler was the Free Speech Movement. Margot’s participation in this event unleashed the power she had as student. During her studies in Berkeley, she noticed that most of the students did not express their political views during class. However, outside of the university, Margot and her classmates were constantly discussing politics and organizing interest groups. Furthermore, during her time at the university, the Free Speech Movement was born, which advocated that students could freely express their opinions. Out of a sense of responsibility to her fellow citizens, she handed out leaflets, participated in protests, and studied political literature. Therefore, as a student, Margot felt that she should take an active part in this movement and fight for her rights. Thus, since childhood, Margot felt out of place under the beliefs of her parents. However, as a student, she realized that she had a role to play in the development of her country’s history.
Work Cited
Adler, Margot. Heretic’s Heart: A Journey Through A Spirit & Revolution. Beacon Press Boston, 1997.