Simplicity Is Seen

    In the novel Trust by Hernan Diaz, there is a prominent theme of visibility and invisibility. However, the traditional definitions of these words do not properly suit how the theme should be interpreted. The definition of visibility can be simply stated as the state of being able to be seen and invisibility as the state of not being able to be seen. Although these are the traditional definitions of said words and are the meanings that would come to the mind of most when they are asked what they believe the words to mean, these definitions do not necessarily apply to the theme of Trust. When answering the question of how visibility fits into the theme of Trust, a simple answer would be that Benjamin Rask prefers to hide in the shadows or lean towards the side of invisibility, while Andrew Bevel is a man who enjoys being in the eyes of the public, or visible. “Authority and money surround themselves with silence, and one can measure the reach of someone’s influence by the thickness of the hush enveloping them” (Diaz 232). This quote follows the generic and common belief of Benjamin Rask as someone closer to the side of invisibility as a result of his unwillingness to spend his continued growth of wealth. Despite that, I believe that the lives of these men differ more within the theme of visibility and invisibility than what initially comes to mind. 

    Furthermore, Benjamin Rask and Andrew Bevel’s personalities are different when it comes to being viewed in the eyes of the public. Rask has simple motivation when it comes to working, and it is plainly to continue to expand upon his wealth. To readers, in this day and age, it is a strange concept for one to work hard without a thought of what to spend their hard-earned money on. As a result of Rask having no clear motivation to work besides his love for working and the continuation of building wealth, more readers spend time contemplating Rask as a character which ultimately leads to him being more visible. On the other hand, Bevel is known as an extravagant character who works for his money in order to spend his money. Working to buy, buy, buy is a common trait of a working member of society, so ultimately, this personality trait of Bevel leads him to blend in as a wealthy man who holds the same ideals as others who make money. 

    Overall, as a result of Benjamin Rask’s unique choices with his money, he becomes the opposite of what a traditional reader believes him to be. Rask leans more towards the side of visibility because the reader is forced to put more thought into his character because of his uncommon idea to stack wealth on top of wealth with no thought of spending. Although most readers would think the previously mentioned quote by Diaz better suits Rask, it better describes Bevel. Bevel’s authority and money cause him to be more invisible as a character because of the way he fits in with other wealthy individuals who choose to spend their money and assert authority. In simpler terms, Bevel is a member of a crowd while Rask stands out from the crowd.