Stepping Westward

James Walker is the main character in Stepping Westward. He is an English writer, a man who spends his days waiting for something to happen, yet never takes any action himself. He believes he needs to conform to societal expectations, which keeps him inactive. One day, a letter arrives inviting him to teach at Benedict Arnold University in America. He is supposed to teach a creative writing course, something he has no real experience with. Despite not seeking out opportunities, they seem to find him, reminding him that he exists.

James is excited about the letter, but he knows he must first ask his wife, Elaine, for permission to go. James is married and has a daughter named Amanda. His life is quiet and uneventful now, a stark contrast to his more active life before marriage. He feels tired of this monotonous existence. Elaine, his wife, takes care of the family and hardly pays attention to him; she treats him almost like another child. James is seen as immature, while Elaine is practical and uninterested in literature, unlike her husband. She allows him to go, perhaps hoping that he will come to appreciate his family more.

James is about to step into the unknown. His journey begins on a train where he meets Dr. Jochum, a professor who offers him advice and warns him about the differences between America and England. The language is different, the weather is warmer, and the people are more talkative. The education system in America is also different, with easier access to universities and a distinct examination system. American universities are more crowded and conservative compared to those in England. In America, youth is highly valued, while in Britain, aging is more respected. America is a country in progress, while England resists change. Another notable difference is that in America, everyone is expected to be happy, whereas the English tend to be more serious.

In America, James realizes he can be himself, whereas in England, he was just part of an institution. As his journey continues, he boards a ship where he meets two women. One is an Englishwoman traveling to America to work as a secretary because of her accent. The other is Julie Snowflake, an American girl studying English literature. Julie is so lively that James finds himself swept up in her energy. Though she is a bit shallow, she teaches James an important lesson.

While James is on his way to the university, Dr. Froelich, who invited James to give a lecture, is eagerly awaiting his arrival. Dr. Froelich is a selfish man who wrote a book about James, which is the real reason he wants him at the university. This behavior is not befitting of a professor, who is expected to act with propriety and intellect.

James's physical journey is also an inner one. He begins to question his life, and by the end of the story, he finds answers that help him become a better man. The book uses stereotypical characters and employs satire to critique society. The author, having grown up within this culture, draws on his own experiences to tell this story.