The World According to Garp

T.S. Garp is born under unusual circumstances as the child of feminist icon Jenny Fields. His conception occurs after an empathetic encounter between Jenny and a brain-injured soldier during World War II, leaving an extraordinary mark on Garp's legacy.

As Garp grows up, his mother, Jenny Fields, establishes herself as a significant feminist figure through her acclaimed book, *Sexual Suspect*. Her work emphasizes the complexities of human sexuality and enables her to create a sanctuary for troubled women.

Garp fulfills his ambitions as a writer by publishing his debut novel, which captures the interest of Helen Holm, the daughter of his wrestling coach. Their romantic relationship flourishes, leading to a marriage that changes Garp's life significantly.

After marrying Helen, Garp embraces fatherhood, welcoming two sons, Duncan and Walt. While he manages his writing career, Helen dedicates herself to academia, creating a balanced yet complex dynamic in their family life.

Garp frequently visits his mother's sanctuary, learning about the unique lives of its residents, such as Roberta Muldoon, a transsexual former football player. This exposure nurtures Garp's understanding of the diverse struggles faced by others.

During one visit to the sanctuary, Garp learns of Ellen James, an 11-year-old who suffered horrific abuse. The story reveals the disturbing lengths to which a group of women, the Ellen Jamesians, go to support her, with some mutilating their tongues in solidarity.

As Garp juggles his life as a writer and father, he develops an attraction for his 18-year-old babysitter. This budding relationship complicates his life, blurring the lines between his responsibilities and desires.

Garp's life takes a sorrowful turn when he discovers his wife Helen's infidelity. This revelation culminates in a tragic car crash that results in the death of their son Walt and injuries to Duncan, leaving Garp devastated and seeking solace.

After a period of turmoil, Garp and Helen reconcile, celebrated by the birth of their daughter named after Jenny. This event symbolizes a new chapter in their tumultuous relationship, marked by hope and remembrance of their complex past.

Jenny's activism leads her to endorse a politician that aligns with her beliefs, sparking controversy and backlash from her critics. This pushback deeply affects the sanctuary and brings new challenges for both her and Garp.

In response to Ellen's plight and the actions of the Ellen Jamesians, Garp writes a novel detailing her story and its consequences. This book achieves commercial success but also attracts unwanted attention, including death threats.

The narrative takes a tragic turn when Jenny is murdered by an anti-feminist extremist during a political event. Her untimely death devastates Garp and the women at the sanctuary, marking a turning point in the story.

Following Jenny's death, a memorial service is held exclusively for women, leading to significant backlash. Despite the controversy, Garp feels compelled to attend in disguise, reminiscing about his complicated relationship with his mother.

As tensions escalate from his presence at the memorial, Garp finds himself in danger again. Ellen James intervenes poignantly, rescuing him and showing her gratitude for how he depicted her in his novel, emphasizing the interconnectedness of their suffering.

Years later, Garp assumes the role of a wrestling coach at his college, longing for a freer life, symbolized by his desire to try hang gliding. However, his journey is disrupted by gunfire, leading to painful reflections on his past and cherished memories of his mother.