“The Last Grownup” by Allegra Goodman: A Marxist Analysis

Alyssa Philpott

Allegra Goodman’s “The Last Grownup” explores the complex dynamics of family, adulthood, and economic pressures within a modern societal framework. By focusing on the protagonist’s life in stagnation and familial entanglements, Goodman highlights how systemic forces perpetuate cycles of dependence and loneliness. A Marxist analysis of the story reveals how economic determinism, class struggle, loneliness, and intergenerational cycles of inequality can shape individual experiences and family relationships. Goodman’s narrative, analyzed in conjunction with academic sources, illustrates the extensive influence of socioeconomic systems on personal autonomy and identity. This essay examines Goodman’s work through the lens of Marxist criticism, which views literature as a reflection of the economic base and cultural framework. This critique delves into labor commodification, class stratification, and ideological control by integrating theoretical insights with concrete textual analysis. Scholarly sources provide additional depth to the discussion, reinforcing how Goodman’s narrative critiques capitalist systems and their impact on familial and individual lives.

Marxist criticism argues that literature cannot be separated from the material conditions of its production and reception. According to Karl Marx, the economic base (comprising labor, resources, and production) determines the superstructure, which includes cultural, legal, and familial institutions. In literature, this perspective emphasizes how class struggle and economic hierarchies manifest within personal and societal dynamics. Goodman’s “The Last Grownup” incorporates this intersection, portraying a protagonist entangled by familial obligations and economic stagnation. As Berger (1998) notes, “the family serves as both a site of personal life and a reflection of broader economic systems, perpetuating the inequalities and ideologies of the surrounding society” (p. 45). Goodman explores how systemic inequalities infiltrate intimate relationships by situating her protagonist within a family struggling with financial pressures and generational expectations.

The tension between individual autonomy and collective familial responsibilities is at the heart of Goodman’s story. The protagonist, a middle-aged individual caught between personal ambitions and caregiving obligations, exemplifies the class struggle within the family. The family operates as a model of societal dynamics, where generational hierarchies mirror class stratification. Having achieved relative economic stability, the older generation exerts control over the younger members, enforcing traditional roles that often inhibit upward mobility. Goodman’s depiction of the protagonist’s stalled adulthood underscores the systemic forces perpetuating dependency. Modalsli (2023) provides a critical framework for understanding this dynamic, arguing that “economic mobility is heavily influenced by intergenerational dynamics, with wealth, education, and societal capital playing pivotal roles in determining outcomes” (p. 930). In “The Last Grownup”, the protagonist’s inability to achieve full independence reflects not a personal failing but the structural barriers that limit economic and social mobility. The family’s expectations of caregiving also highlight the unequal distribution of labor within the household. Goodman’s narrative critiques the traditional concept that family responsibilities should supersede individual aspirations, a dynamic that often reinforces existing power structures. This aligns with Marx’s concept of class antagonism, where the economic pressures placed on the working class prevent them from challenging systemic inequalities.

Economic determinism, a key principle of Marxist theory, proposes that material conditions fundamentally shape human behavior and relationships. Economic determinism manifests through the protagonist’s limited choices and strained relationships in “The Last Grownup”. Their inability to achieve financial independence or personal fulfillment stems from systemic factors, such as stagnant wages, rising living costs, and intergenerational financial obligations. Goodman vividly illustrates the loneliness experienced by the protagonist, a concept central to Marxist thought. Loneliness or alienation occurs when individuals are estranged from their labor, relationships, or sense of self due to exploitative systems. In their professional life, the protagonist’s work is portrayed as monotonous and unfulfilling, serving only as a means of survival. This echoes Marx’s critique of capitalist labor systems, where workers are valued solely for their productivity rather than their intrinsic humanity. The alienation extends to the protagonist’s familial relationships, which, while rooted in love and obligation, often feel transactional under economic pressures. Goodman’s portrayal aligns with Hosokawa’s (2023) observation that “economic precarity disrupts family routines and relationships, leading to heightened stress and diminished emotional connection” (p. 3990). For instance, the protagonist’s role as a caregiver becomes both a source of pride and a burden, exemplifying the duality of familial obligations under capitalism.

One of the most striking aspects of “The Last Grownup” is its exploration of intergenerational cycles of inequality. The family’s economic struggles reflect broader systemic patterns, where financial instability and limited resources are passed down through generations. Modalsli (2023) highlights the significance of this dynamic, stating that “multigenerational persistence is a key factor in understanding the reproduction of inequality across time and space” (p. 932). Goodman’s protagonist, trapped in a cycle of dependency and obligation, illustrates the challenges of escaping these continuous patterns. The suburban setting of the story serves as a symbol of middle-class aspirations and their accompanying frustrations. While suburban life is often idealized as a site of stability and prosperity, Goodman subverts this narrative by portraying it as a space of economic insecurity and unfulfilled potential. The family’s struggles to maintain their lifestyle amid rising costs and stagnant incomes mirror the broader socioeconomic challenges many middle-class households face. Goodman also critiques the generational tensions that arise from these dynamics. Having benefited from more favorable economic conditions, the older generation often fails to recognize the systemic barriers younger family members face. This disconnect reinforces the protagonist’s feelings of alienation and frustration, as they are held to standards that no longer align with contemporary economic realities. Hosokawa (2023) notes that “generational misunderstandings are often exacerbated by economic disparities, leading to conflict and disillusionment within families” (p. 3992). These tensions are poignantly depicted in Goodman’s narrative, highlighting the emotional toll of intergenerational inequality.

Paid and unpaid labor is a central theme in “The Last Grownup”. Goodman critiques the devaluation of human effort, a hallmark of capitalist systems, by portraying the protagonist’s professional and domestic roles as sources of frustration and alienation. In their job, the protagonist’s labor is reduced to its exchange value, stripped of any intrinsic meaning or fulfillment. This dehumanizing aspect of work reflects Marx’s assertion that capitalism prioritizes profit over individual well-being. The exploitation of labor extends to the domestic sphere, where caregiving and household responsibilities are undervalued despite their essential contributions to the family’s functionality. Goodman’s narrative highlights the unequal distribution of unpaid labor, particularly its disproportionate burden on women and younger family members. Berger (1998) argues that “the family’s reliance on unpaid labor reinforces systemic inequalities, perpetuating the devaluation of work performed outside the formal economy” (p. 47). This critique is evident in the protagonist’s dual role as a caregiver and breadwinner, which leaves little room for personal growth or self-care. The protagonist’s struggle to balance these roles underscores the limitations of capitalist systems, which fail to account for the emotional and physical toll of unpaid labor. Goodman’s portrayal challenges readers to reconsider the value of domestic work and its role in perpetuating systemic inequalities.

In addition to its economic critiques, “The Last Grownup” examines the family as a site of ideological control. Marxist theory states that familial institutions reproduce societal norms and ideologies, sustaining existing power structures. Goodman’s narrative reflects this dynamic, as the protagonist internalizes societal expectations of adulthood, success, and caregiving, often at the expense of their well-being. Berger (1998) observes that “families are instrumental in perpetuating the ideologies of their respective societies, enforcing norms that sustain economic and political hierarchies” (p. 46). In Goodman’s story, the family enforces traditional expectations of adulthood, including financial stability, caregiving, and self-sacrifice. While rooted in love and duty, these expectations often conflict with the protagonist’s aspirations, creating a sense of internalized oppression. Goodman also critiques the societal valorization of self-sufficiency and independence, which frequently ignores the systemic barriers that prevent individuals from achieving these ideals. The protagonist’s struggle to meet these expectations reflects the broader contradictions of capitalist ideology, which emphasizes individual agency while maintaining structural inequalities. Hosokawa. (2023) note that “the tension between societal expectations and individual realities often leads to feelings of inadequacy and alienation, particularly among those navigating economic precarity” (p. 3991). This tension is a recurring theme in Goodman’s narrative, illustrating ideological control’s emotional and psychological impact.

Allegra Goodman’s “The Last Grownup” offers a compelling critique of the systemic forces that shape family dynamics, economic relationships, and personal identity. Through its nuanced portrayal of a protagonist navigating the pressures of adulthood, Goodman highlights the pervasive influence of financial systems on individual lives. A Marxist analysis reveals how themes of alienation, economic determinism, intergenerational inequality, and labor commodification are woven into the narrative, reflecting and challenging the inequalities of contemporary society. The protagonist’s journey, marked by conflict and compromise, serves as a representation of broader societal struggles, illustrating the profound impact of capitalist systems on personal and familial relationships. Ultimately, “The Last Grownup” invites readers to question the societal norms and economic structures that define adulthood, urging a reconsideration of what it truly means to grow up in a world shaped by inequality.

Works Cited

Berger, Brigitte. “The Social Roots of Prosperity and Liberty.” Society, vol. 35, no. 3, Mar. 1998, pp. 44–53. EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.cwi.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/BF02686135.

Goodman, Allegra. The Last Grownup. The New Yorker, October 25, 2021, https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/02/27/the-last-grownup.

Hosokawa, Rikuya, et al. “Associations between Family Routines, Family Relationships, and Children’s Behavior.” Journal of Child & Family Studies, vol. 32, no. 12, Dec. 2023, pp. 3988–98. EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.cwi.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s10826-023-02687-w.

Modalsli, Jørgen. “Multigenerational Persistence: Evidence from 146 Years of Administrative Data.” Journal of Human Resources, vol. 58, no. 3, May 2023, pp. 929–61. EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.cwi.idm.oclc.org/10.3368/jhr.59.1.1018-9825r2.