The Submission Summary & Key Insights

Amy Waldman's "The Submission" centers on the aftermath of the September 11th attacks and its reverberating impact on American society, specifically exploring themes of art, religion, and national identity through the lens of a controversial architectural competition. The novel follows the intertwined narratives of several key characters as they grapple with the complexities of grief, trauma, and political polarization.

The central plot revolves around a national competition to design a memorial for the victims of 9/11. The winning entry, a strikingly minimalist and abstract design, is submitted anonymously. It's later revealed to be the work of a young Muslim-American architect, Muhammad Aziz. This revelation ignites a firestorm of national controversy.

Muhammad Aziz, a brilliant but relatively unknown architect, becomes the focal point of the ensuing debate. He represents a complex figure, struggling to navigate his personal identity as a Muslim in the post-9/11 world while facing intense scrutiny and accusations of hidden agendas. His design, intended to be inclusive and promote healing, is ironically interpreted as a symbol of Islamic triumphalism or even a veiled threat by many. The ambiguity of his design itself is a key element of the conflict, allowing for multiple and often contradictory interpretations.

Conversely, we have the character of Professor Jay Cantor, a prominent, liberal-minded Jewish architectural critic. While initially impressed by the design’s artistry and the submission's anonymity, Cantor is eventually torn between his artistic integrity and the potential political fallout, culminating in internal conflict and significant moral dilemmas. His response to the controversy showcases the challenges faced by those attempting to remain neutral in the face of deeply divisive political discourse.

The novel also features other compelling characters, including Saeed, Muhammad's brother, and various political figures and commentators who fuel the public outcry. These characters highlight the perspectives of diverse communities and illustrate how deeply personal beliefs intertwine with national politics.

The overarching themes of "The Submission" include the struggle for artistic expression in a politically charged environment, the complex relationship between art and politics, and the challenges of reconciling personal identity with national identity in a post-9/11 America. Waldman masterfully depicts the polarization of society, exploring how even seemingly objective judgments, like those made about art, become laden with political undertones. The novel leaves the reader contemplating the long-lasting scars of trauma and the ever-present tension between individual freedoms and collective security, especially in the context of national tragedy. Ultimately, the novel poses questions about tolerance, understanding, and the potential for art to foster healing or exacerbate division in a deeply wounded nation.