In his novel Being There, Jerzy Kosinski uses his main character, Chance, as a tool to expose how naive humans can be during times of desperation and need. Even though Chance has been confined to the Old Man's house his whole life and has no political, economic, or even social experience of any sort, people misinterpret him to be "the spirit which the country so greatly needs" (Kosinski 68) during a time of great economic weakness in America. A historical figure who was also mistaken to be a great leader at the beginning of his emergence is Mao Tse- Tung (also referred to as Mao Zedong). Initially thought of as being China's savior after its civil war in 1949, Mao turned out to be one of the most ruthless killers in modern history.
Being there is a novel about a man named Chance, who was adopted by the Old Man shortly after his birth. Chance has lived in the Old Man's house for his entire life, without ever taking a step outside. During this time, all Chance has been able to do is work on the garden and watch television, where he has obtained all his knowledge. The only two people he has ever met are the Old Man and his maid. Eventually the Old Man dies, leaving Chance with nowhere to stay. He packs his things and leaves the house for the first time in his life. While wandering the streets, Chance is hit by a limousine driver, and injures his leg. The woman sitting inside the limousine, EE, apologizes for her driver's actions and invites him to be treated at her home. EE's husband, Rand, becomes very fond of Chance and introduces him to the president. When asked by the president what his views are about America's economic issues, Chance talks about the only thing he is knowledgeable about, gardening. The president ends up quoting Chance in his speech, making him extremely popular. Despite not having any formal knowledge in politics or economics, Chance forms the image of a successful businessman and a great leader.
During times of desperation, people...