What's-His-Name

"What's-His-Name" by George Barr McCutcheon is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Harvey, the husband of the glamorous actress Nellie Duluth, who struggles with his identity and self-worth in the shadow of his wife's fame. As the tale unfolds, we witness Harvey's internal and external conflicts in navigating their relationship and his role as a husband and father. The opening of the book introduces Harvey, who is depicted as a nondescript and unassuming man, often referred to simply as "What's-His-Name" by those around him. He is juxtaposed against his much-admired wife, Nellie, who commands attention and adulation as a successful stage actress in New York City. As Harvey ambles through the bustling streets of Broadway, the opening chapters explore his feelings of inadequacy and nostalgia for their life in a small town, highlighting the contrast between his mundane daily experiences and Nellie's glamorous lifestyle. The narrative sets the stage for the themes of love, identity, and societal perception that will develop as the story progresses.