Joe Gould

In the beginning, Joseph Mitchell is very interested in Joe Gould and sees him as an “ancient, enigmatic and spectral figure.” Joe Gould is a very mysterious character and can disappear or show up at any time, anywhere. He is a very complex and complicated character that needs to be figured out. He is his own person in many ways. He does what he wants, goes where he wants and doesn’t let other people influence him. Joe Gould seems to be a very confused character as well. As a child he was expected to grow up and be what everyone wanted him to be, but went against that. He even says to Joseph Mitchell, “I’m puzzled about myself, and have been since childhood.” Joe Gould seems to  portray a lost soul that got caught up in the city life and life in general. As Joseph Mitchell meets with him more and more, he starts to see that Joe Gould is just looking to be heard behind all the craziness. Mitchell begins to see the more human and sensitive side to him and realizes the depth behind this man.