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Kate Tuttle reviews Anne Tyler’s most recent novel, “Clock Dance,” in this week’s issue. In 1985, Larry McMurtry expounded on Tyler’s skill and talent while writing about “The Accidental Tourist” for the Book Review. Read an excerpt below:

One of the persistent concerns of this work is the ambiguity of family happiness and unhappiness. In “The Accidental Tourist” these themes cohere with high definition in the muted personality of Macon Leary, a Baltimore man in his early 40’s who writes travel guides for businessmen who, like himself, hate to travel.

Not long after we meet him, Macon is left to himself. Sarah, his wife of 20 years, leaves him. Macon and Sarah have had a tragedy: their 12-year-old son, Ethan, was murdered in a fast-food joint, his death an accidental byproduct of a holdup. With the ballast of his marriage removed, Macon immediately tips into serious eccentricity.

Miss Tyler shows the mingling of misery and contentment in the daily lives of her families, reminds us how alike — and yet distinct — happy and unhappy families can be.

The concept of an accidental tourist captures in a phrase something she has been saying all along, if not about life, at least about men: they are frequently accidental tourists in their own lives. Her men slump arond like tired tourists — friendly, likable, but not all that engaged. If they see anything worth seeing, it is usually because a determined woman thrusts it under their noses and demands that they pay some attention. The fates of these families hinge on long struggles between semiattentive males and semiobsessed females. In her patient investigation of such struggles, Miss Tyler has produced a very satisfying body of fiction.

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The Accidental Tourist

Oxford Bookworms Library is a readers series for secondary and adult learners, with seven reading levels from A1-C1. Including over 270 original and adapted texts graded and available with audio and in e-book formats, it ensures a comfortable read at every level.

Anne Tyler Retold by Jennifer Bassett

Oxford Bookworms Library

Collection level

Cambridge English: First (FCE); IELTS 5.0 – 6.0; TOEIC 785 – 940; TOEFL 87 – 109;

Accidental Tourist (Tyler)

The Accidental Tourist   Anne Tyler, 1985 Random House 352pp. ISBN-13: 9780345452009 Summary Macon Leary is a travel writer who hates both travel and anything out of the ordinary. He is grounded by loneliness and an unwillingness to compromise his creature comforts when he meets Muriel, a deliciously peculiar dog-obedience trainer who up-ends Macon’s insular world–and thrusts him headlong into a remarkable engagement with life. ( From the publisher .)

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"Yes, that is my son," the man says, identifying the body in the intensive care unit. Grief threatens to break his face into pieces, and then something closes shut inside of him. He has always had a very controlled nature, fearful of emotion and revelation, but now a true ice age begins, and after a year his wife tells him she wants a divorce. It is because he cannot seem to feel anything.

"The Accidental Tourist" begins on that note of emotional sterility, and the whole movie is a journey toward a smile at the end.

The man's name is Macon Leary ( William Hurt ), and he writes travel books for people who detest traveling. He advises his readers on how to avoid human contact, where to find "American food" abroad and how to convince themselves they haven't left home. His own life is the same sort of journey, and maybe it began in childhood. His sister and two brothers still live together in the house where they were born, and any life outside of their routine would be unthinkable.

Macon's wife ( Kathleen Turner ) moves out, leaving him with the dog, Edward, who does like to travel and is deeply disturbed by the curious life his masters have provided for him. He barks at ghosts and snaps at strangers. It is time for Macon to make another one of his overseas research trips, so he takes the dog to be boarded at a kennel, and that's where he meets Muriel Pritchett ( Geena Davis ). Muriel has Macon's number from the moment he walks through the door. She can see he's a basket case, but she thinks she can help. She also thinks her young son needs a father.

Macon isn't so sure. He doesn't use the number she gives him. But later, when the dog trips him and he breaks his leg, he takes Edward back to the kennel, and this time he submits to a little obedience training of his own. He agrees to acknowledge that Muriel exists, and before long they are sort of living together (lust still exists in his body, but it lurks so far from the center of his feelings that sex hardly seems to cheer him up).

The peculiarity about these central passages in the film is that they are quite cheerful and sometimes even very funny, even though Macon himself is mired in a deep depression. Davis, as Muriel, brings an unforced wackiness to her role in scenes like the one where she belts out a song while she's doing the dishes. But she is not as simple as she sometimes seems, and when Macon gets carried away with a little sentimental generalizing about the future, she warns him, "Don't make promises to my son that you are not prepared to keep." There is also great good humor in the characters in Macon's family: brothers Porter ( David Ogden Stiers ) and Charles ( Ed Begley Jr.) and sister Rose ( Amy Wright ), a matriarch who feeds the family, presides over their incomprehensible card games and supervises such traditional activities as alphabetizing the groceries on the kitchen shelves. One evening Macon takes his publisher, Julien ( Bill Pullman ), home to dinner and Julien is struck with a thunderbolt of love for Rose. He eventually marries her, but a few weeks later Julien tells Macon that Rose has moved back home with the boys; she was concerned that they had abandoned regular meals and were eating only gorp.

This emergency triggers the movie's emotional turning point, which is subtle but unmistakable. Nobody knows Rose as well as Macon does, and so he gives Julien some very particular advice: "Call her up and tell her your business is going to pieces. Ask if she could just come in and get things organized. Get things under control. Put it that way.

Use those words. Get things under control, tell her." In context, this speech is hilarious. It is also the first time in the film that Macon has been able to extend himself to help anybody, and it starts him on the road to emotional growth. Clinging to the sterility and loneliness that has been his protection, he doesn't realize at first that he has turned the corner. He still doubts that he needs Muriel, and when she buys herself a ticket and follows him to Paris, he refuses to have anything to do with her. When his wife also turns up in Paris, there is a moment when he thinks they may be able to patch things together again, and then finally Macon arrives at the sort of moment he has been avoiding all of his life: He has to make a choice. But by then the choice is obvious; he has already made it, by peeking so briefly out of his shell.

The screenplay for "The Accidental Tourist," by Kasdan and Frank Galati , is able to reproduce a lot of the tone and dialogue of the Anne Tyler novel without ever simply being a movie version of a book. The textures are too specific and the humor is too quirky and well-timed to be borrowed. The filmmakers have reinvented the same story in their own terms. The movie is a reunion for Kasdan, Hurt and Turner, who all three launched their careers with " Body Heat " (1981). Kasdan used Hurt again in " The Big Chill " (1983) and understands how to employ Hurt's gift for somehow being likable at the same time he seems to be withdrawn.

What Hurt achieves here seems almost impossible: He is depressed, low-key and intensely private through most of the movie, and yet somehow he wins our sympathy. What Kasdan achieves is just as tricky; I've never seen a movie so sad in which there was so much genuine laughter. "The Accidental Tourist" is one of the best films of the year.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Film Credits

The Accidental Tourist (1989)

121 minutes

William Hurt as MacOn

Kathleen Turner as Sarah

Geena Davis as Muriel

Amy Wright as Rose

David Ogden Stiers as Porter

Ed Begley Jr. as Charles

Bill Pullman as Julian

Robert Gorman as Alexander

Bradley Mott as Mr. Loomis

Screenplay by

• Frank Galati
• John Williams

Photographed by

• John Bailey

Produced by

• Charles Okun
• Michael Grillo
• Carol Littleton

Based On The Novel by

Directed by.

• Lawrence Kasdan

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The Accidental Tourist

by Anne Tyler

The accidental tourist summary and analysis of chapters one, two, and three.

Macon and Sarah Leary return early from a trip to the beach. On the car ride home, it starts pouring heavy rain. Sarah is concerned that Macon cannot see properly through the windshield, but he continues to drive, assuring her it’s fine. She recalls to him a recent situation where she asked him if there was a point to life after the death of their son Ethan , to which he responded that there had never been any point. Sarah accuses him of never properly comforting her. Then, abruptly, she says she wants a divorce.

The next chapter flashes forward to after the divorce. Since Sarah has left, Macon finds that their Baltimore house seems smaller rather than larger. Some of the objects in the house continue to remind Macon of Sarah, such as the outdoor chaise and kitchen radio. Macon has always used a “system” to organize his life, including the house; this is something that Sarah never understood. In Sarah’s absence, Macon has adopted several strange habits, such as washing clothes in the bathtub while he showers, and sleeping in a “body bag” instead of normal linens. Macon considers how together, he and Sarah had kept each other more rational; now, separated, they are wandering “wildly off course.”

Macon works from home writing travel guides for people forced to take business trips, something he finds ridiculous as he hates to travel. His guides emphasize how Americans can feel at home in foreign cities, and he enjoys the writing aspect of the work. Macon’s sister Rose calls him and is surprised to hear that Macon and Sarah have separated. Macon only admits to this when Rose asks to speak to Sarah. Macon asks Rose not to take Sarah’s side.

Macon can hardly eat real meals anymore and he loses weight. He has a terrible time sleeping at night, his brain consumed with worries. He ponders why his 20-year relationship has ended, noting that, towards the end, Sarah and Macon acted more like rivals rather than as a couple. Their son Ethan only brought out their differences more; they had very different parenting styles. Ethan was murdered at the age of 13 at a fast-food restaurant while away at summer camp. Macon is not sure whom to blame.

One day, Sarah calls Macon and asks if she can come by to pick up her rug. She wants to come by the next day, but Macon is leaving for a business trip to England. The two discuss how they have both have been depressed, barely able to eat and get out of bed in the morning. Sarah reveals the rage she feels for the person who killed their son.

The next day, Macon prepares to leave for his trip. First, he drives to the veterinary to drop off his dog, Edward . The vet receptionist will not accept Edward after seeing in Macon’s file that the dog has previously bitten a staff member. Angry, Macon leaves and wonders what to do with his pet. He goes to an animal hospital and the receptionist there says he needs a reservation in order to board a dog. Macon explains the desperate situation; the receptionist, named Muriel Pritchett , inquires about Macon’s wife and why she can’t watch the dog. Macon has to inform her that he is divorced, and she tells him that she is also a divorcee.

Macon is on his flight from the U.S. to London. He tries to avoid conversation with the people seated next to him and partakes in his usual routine of flossing in the bathroom and reading from a 1,000-page book. He thinks back to a time when he and Ethan were planning to go to a movie. Once in London, Macon makes his rounds of various hotels and American-style restaurants, jotting down notes about the quality of the coffee, breakfast, and comfort of the mattresses.

After four days, he already wants to go back home; he tries to look for return tickets but can’t find any, so he decides to stay the full week. On his trip home, he thinks of Sarah again and how she used to pick him up at the airport. Macon goes to get Edward from the kennel and Muriel Pritchett tells him the dog was well behaved. She not-so-subtly shows her interest in Macon, informing him that she is a professional dog-trainer and giving him her business card. Macon is uninterested, takes Edward, and goes home, feeling once again the absence of Sarah as soon as he walks through the door.

The book opens right as the relationship between Macon and Sarah Leary falls apart. The death of their 13-year-old son Ethan has happened before the story even begins, and it colors all of the events that take place. Anne Tyler encapsulates the tension between a married couple who has lost their child in the car, where a patch of heavy rain symbolizes how their emotional dynamic has run its course. Macon’s driving in the rain despite Sarah’s pleas to pull over seems like a minor enough incident; however, it is enough to trigger Sarah to declare she wants a divorce, as she realizes that Macon is incapable of being receptive to her needs and feelings.

We are shown how Macon’s life disintegrates once Sarah leaves him. Macon has very strict living habits, which he calls “systems,” that border on compulsions. After Sarah moves out, these tendencies become all the more strange and rigid, such as washing clothes in the tub while he showers or eating buttery popcorn for breakfast. His obsessive behavior can be inferred to be a sort of coping mechanism for the grief he is experiencing at the loss of his relationship, as well as the earlier death of his son. His peculiar mental rituals bar Macon from allowing himself to fully process his emotions and start creating a new life for himself.

Sarah, whose life is more peripheral for the reader in these first chapters, is also clearly struggling with huge changes. In a telephone conversation with Macon, we learn that she is almost too depressed to get out of bed every morning. She is holding onto a lot of anger about the murder of Ethan, speaking about her fantasy of getting a gun and putting her son’s killer to death. This disturbs Macon, and he tells his ex-wife that this sort of anger is harmful to both of them. Macon’s controlled and contained way of dealing with emotions and suppressing anger is at odds with Sarah’s more effusive emotions.

Anne Tyler also portrays the typical difficulty in ending a longterm marriage in the way Macon feels the presence of the different objects in the house—objects which had a special connection to his ex-wife. He even feels at certain moments that Sarah is still in the house, watching him go about his daily business. It is significant when Macon observes that his house now feels smaller, not bigger, without Sarah. This demonstrates that when we are on our own, left in our familiar thoughts and routines, our life can seem to shrink regardless of the physical space we occupy.

Much of the text of these chapters consists of dialogue, a good way of getting the reader acquainted with the main characters. The exchange of conversation between Macon and the staff at the animal hospital, for example, reflect Macon’s continuous grief and disinterest in life, where he tries to keep his personal interactions at a minimum. Throughout his daily chores and his business trip to London, his main focus of attention seems to be Sarah: fantasies of her returning home, memories of her picking him up from the airport, and so on. These recollections haunt Macon, seeming to stand in way of fully engaging his responsibilities, instead making him hide away from other people and from life itself—whether it is in his hotel room in England or behind a book in his plane seat.

The Accidental Tourist Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Accidental Tourist is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Standing water in the road is compared to a wide lake.

A wide lake, it seemed, in the center of the highway crashed against the underside of the car and slammed it to the right.

How does Macon meet Muriel?

Macon meets Muriel when he hires her to train his dog.

How is Macon described in Chapter 1?

From the text:

He was a tall, pale, gray-eyed man, with straight fair hair cut close to his head, and his skin was that thin kind that easily burns.

Study Guide for The Accidental Tourist

The Accidental Tourist study guide contains a biography of Anne Tyler, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Accidental Tourist
• The Accidental Tourist Summary
• Character List

Essays for The Accidental Tourist

The Accidental Tourist essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler.

• The Accidental Acceptance: Family and Modernity in 'The Accidental Tourist' and 'Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant'

Lesson Plan for The Accidental Tourist

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to The Accidental Tourist
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• The Accidental Tourist Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for The Accidental Tourist

• Introduction
• Plot summary

• Movies based on books
• TV Shows based on books
• Who’s Who

Exploring the Transformative Journey: The Accidental Tourist

“The Accidental Tourist” by Anne Tyler is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected love. Set in Baltimore , the story follows Macon Leary, a travel writer who specializes in providing useful tips for those who prefer to stay at home.

As Macon’s life takes a tragic turn with the loss of his son and the subsequent breakdown of his marriage, he finds himself on a path of healing and transformation. Through Tyler’s poignant storytelling, readers are invited to explore the complexities of human relationships and the power of embracing change.

Brief Overview of the Plot

Macon Leary, a man who thrives on routine, finds his world turned upside down when his son dies in a tragic accident. This devastating loss leads to the dissolution of his marriage with Sarah Leary, leaving Macon emotionally numb and detached from the world.

In an effort to regain some semblance of normalcy, Macon retreats into his work as a travel writer, providing detailed instructions for fellow “accidental tourists” who seek comfort in familiar environments.

Movie Adaptation: Summary and Differences from the Book

Lawrence Kasdan’s film adaptation of “The Accidental Tourist” brings Anne Tyler’s novel to life on the big screen. Starring William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, and Geena Davis, the movie stays true to the essence of the book while making some notable changes.

The film beautifully captures the emotional depth of the characters and the struggles they face in navigating grief and love. However, there are a few differences from the book that fans should be aware of.

In the movie, certain scenes are condensed or omitted to fit within the constraints of a typical film runtime. Additionally, some character traits may be slightly altered to enhance the storytelling visually. Despite these changes, the movie stays faithful to the overall themes and messages of the book, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the novel.

Setting and Film Locations

“The Accidental Tourist” is primarily set in Baltimore, Maryland , a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture. The book vividly portrays the city, immersing readers in its unique atmosphere. The film adaptation beautifully captures the essence of Baltimore, showcasing iconic locations such as the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and Camden Yards.

Character Analysis: Who’s Who in the Book

Anne Tyler expertly crafts a diverse cast of characters in “The Accidental Tourist,” each with their own quirks and complexities. Macon Leary, the protagonist, is a man consumed by grief and routine. Sarah Leary, Macon’s estranged wife, is a free-spirited woman who challenges his comfort zone.

Muriel Pritchett, a dog trainer, becomes a source of unexpected love and healing for Macon.

These are just a few of the characters that bring depth and authenticity to the story.

Memorable Quotes from the Book

“The Accidental Tourist” is filled with poignant and thought-provoking quotes that resonate long after the final page. Here are a few memorable lines from the novel:

• “People always call it luck when you’ve acted more sensibly than they have.”
• “The worst part about being left alone is not being alone. It’s being left.”
• “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. But you can make them think they’re learning.”

These quotes capture the essence of the characters’ struggles and offer profound insights into the human experience.

Soundtrack by John Williams

John Williams, renowned composer of numerous iconic film scores, provides the musical backdrop for “The Accidental Tourist.” His compositions add depth and emotion to the story, enhancing key moments and evoking a range of feelings in the audience. The soundtrack beautifully complements the narrative, capturing the essence of the characters’ journeys.

Curiosities and Hidden Details in the Book

“The Accidental Tourist” is filled with intriguing details and hidden gems that add depth to the story. Anne Tyler’s meticulous attention to detail creates a rich tapestry for readers to explore. From subtle symbolism to clever foreshadowing, the book offers a treasure trove of curiosities for attentive readers to discover.

Tips for Cosplay and Dressing Like Macon Leary and Sarah Leary

For fans of “The Accidental Tourist” who want to pay homage to their favorite characters, here are some tips for cosplay and dressing like Macon Leary and Sarah Leary. Macon’s wardrobe consists of comfortable yet slightly outdated attire, reflecting his reluctance to embrace change.

Sarah, on the other hand, exudes a bohemian style with flowing dresses and eclectic accessories. By incorporating these elements into your own wardrobe, you can capture the essence of these beloved characters.

Anne Tyler: A Brief Biography of the Author

Anne Tyler, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota , is a celebrated American author known for her insightful portrayals of everyday life. With over 20 novels to her name, Tyler has received numerous accolades, including a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

Her writing delves deep into the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of love, loss, and the search for identity. Through her compelling narratives, Tyler has captivated readers around the world.

Top 5 Works by Anne Tyler: A Description and Recommendation

• “The Accidental Tourist” (1985): A must-read for fans of Tyler’s work, this novel beautifully captures the intricacies of human relationships and the power of embracing change.
• “Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant” (1982): This poignant family drama explores the dynamics of a dysfunctional family and the lasting impact of childhood experiences.
• “Breathing Lessons” (1988): Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, this novel delves into the complexities of marriage and the challenges of maintaining a long-term relationship.
• “A Spool of Blue Thread” (2015): Tyler’s most recent novel follows the Whitshank family through generations, unraveling the secrets and bonds that hold them together.
• “Saint Maybe” (1991): This thought-provoking novel explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of forgiveness.

Each of these works showcases Tyler’s ability to craft compelling narratives and create relatable characters that resonate with readers.

Other Media by Lawrence Kasdan Related to “The Accidental Tourist”

Lawrence Kasdan, the director of the film adaptation of “The Accidental Tourist,” has an impressive body of work beyond this beloved movie. Here are five other notable films by Kasdan that fans of his work should explore:

• “The Big Chill” (1983): A group of college friends reunite after years apart, reflecting on their past and reevaluating their present.
• “Silverado” (1985): A classic Western film that follows a group of unlikely heroes as they band together to save a town from a corrupt sheriff.
• “Grand Canyon” (1991): This thought-provoking drama explores the connections between different characters living in Los Angeles .
• “The Bodyguard” (1992): A romantic thriller starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, this film tells the story of a bodyguard who falls in love with the woman he is hired to protect.
• “Mumford” (1999): A quirky comedy-drama that centers around a psychologist who moves to a small town and begins to change the lives of its residents.

These films showcase Kasdan’s versatility as a director and his ability to tell engaging stories across different genres.

10 Similar Movies to “The Accidental Tourist”

If you enjoyed the heartfelt story of “The Accidental Tourist,” here are ten similar movies that you might also find captivating:

• “Lost in Translation” (2003)
• “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004)
• “Her” (2013)
• “About Schmidt” (2002)
• “The Descendants” (2011)
• “The Squid and the Whale” (2005)
• “Garden State” (2004)
• “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006)
• “Sideways” (2004)
• “The Station Agent” (2003)

These films share a similar focus on the complexities of human relationships and the transformative power of unexpected connections.

Book Club Questions and Discussion Topics

If you’re looking to delve deeper into the themes and characters of “The Accidental Tourist” with your book club, here are some discussion topics to spark insightful conversations:

• How does grief shape the characters’ experiences and choices throughout the novel?
• Explore the concept of routine and its role in Macon’s life. How does it both comfort and hinder him?
• Discuss the theme of transformation and how it is portrayed through the characters’ journeys.
• Analyze the relationship dynamics between Macon, Sarah, and Muriel. How do they challenge and change each other?
• Explore the significance of travel and the idea of being an “accidental tourist” in the novel.

These questions will help facilitate engaging discussions and provide deeper insights into the story.

10 Similar Novels to “The Accidental Tourist”: A Description and Recommendation

If you’re craving more novels with a similar depth and exploration of human relationships, here are ten recommendations that will captivate you:

• “The Elegance of the Hedgehog” by Muriel Barbery: A moving story that follows the lives of two unlikely friends in a Parisian apartment building.
• “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman : This heartwarming novel tells the story of a grumpy yet endearing man who finds unexpected connections in his community.
• “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” by Rachel Joyce: A journey of self-discovery unfolds as Harold Fry embarks on a spontaneous walk across England to visit a dying friend.
• “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion: A charming and humorous tale about a socially awkward genetics professor who embarks on a quest to find love.
• “Oona Out of Order” by Margarita Montimore: This unique novel follows Oona, who time travels on every New Year’s Eve and wakes up in a different year of her life.
• “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry” by Gabrielle Zevin: A poignant story set in a bookstore, exploring the transformative power of literature and unexpected connections.
• “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman: The journey of an eccentric and socially awkward woman as she navigates life and finds friendship and love.
• “The Light We Lost” by Jill Santopolo: A captivating love story that explores the complexities of relationships and the choices we make.
• “The Bookshop on the Shore” by Jenny Colgan: A woman’s journey to a remote Scottish village leads her to discover the power of community and the magic of books.
• “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon: This unique novel follows Christopher, a teenager with autism, as he investigates the mysterious death of a neighborhood dog.

Each of these novels offers a compelling exploration of human emotions and relationships, making them perfect companions for fans of “The Accidental Tourist.”

Parent Guide: Is “The Accidental Tourist” Suitable for Children?

“The Accidental Tourist” deals with complex themes such as grief, loss, and adult relationships. As such, it may not be suitable for young children or those who may be sensitive to these topics.

Parents should exercise discretion when considering whether this novel is appropriate for their children. It is recommended to read the book first and consider the maturity and emotional readiness of the child before introducing them to the story.

Buying Guide and Gift Ideas for Fans of “The Accidental Tourist”

If you or someone you know is a fan of “The Accidental Tourist,” here are some buying guide and gift ideas to celebrate the love for this captivating story:

• “The Accidental Tourist” Deluxe Edition: Treat yourself or a fellow fan to a special edition of the book, featuring bonus content and beautiful illustrations.
• “The Accidental Tourist” Movie DVD or Blu-ray: Relive the magic of the film adaptation with a high-quality copy of the movie.
• Anne Tyler’s Complete Works: Dive into Anne Tyler’s extensive collection of novels and explore her other captivating stories.
• Travel-themed Journal: Capture your own accidental tourist adventures with a beautifully designed travel journal.
• Book Lover’s Tote Bag: Show off your love for literature with a stylish tote bag featuring a bookish design.

These gift ideas are perfect for celebrating the enduring appeal of “The Accidental Tourist” and indulging in the world of literature.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on “The Accidental Tourist” and Its Enduring Appeal

“The Accidental Tourist” by Anne Tyler is a timeless novel that explores the complexities of human relationships and the power of embracing change.

Through Macon Leary’s journey of healing and transformation, readers are reminded of the beauty that can emerge from unexpected circumstances. Whether through the pages of the book or the frames of the film adaptation, the story continues to captivate audiences with its relatable characters and poignant storytelling.

Anne Tyler’s masterful writing and Lawrence Kasdan’s brilliant direction ensure that “The Accidental Tourist” remains an enduring classic in the literary and cinematic worlds.

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When page meets screen: the 9th life of louis drax, the ultimate guide to: the accusation, jane thomper.

Hi there! I'm Jane Thomper, and I'm thrilled to be your go-to movie expert. With a genuine passion for all things film-related, I've dedicated my life to exploring the captivating world of cinema. From an early age, movies held a special place in my heart. The way they transported me to different worlds, evoked emotions, and sparked my imagination left an indelible mark. It was no surprise that I decided to pursue a degree in Film Studies, where I deepened my understanding of the art and craft of filmmaking. Throughout my academic journey, I delved into the rich history of cinema, analyzing groundbreaking films and studying the techniques used by master storytellers. From silent classics to contemporary blockbusters, I've explored a vast array of genres and styles, developing a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for the nuances that make each film unique. But my expertise extends beyond the theoretical. I've also immersed myself in the practical side of the industry, gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of movie production. This firsthand knowledge has given me a comprehensive perspective on the collaborative efforts required to bring a vision to life on the silver screen. Now, as a seasoned movie critic and writer, I'm thrilled to share my insights and recommendations with you. Whether you're seeking thought-provoking analysis, in-depth reviews, or expert recommendations, I'm here to provide you with engaging and informative content that will enrich your movie-watching experience. So, join me on this cinematic journey as we explore the captivating world of film together. Let's dive into the magic of storytelling, unravel hidden gems, and celebrate the power of movies to entertain, educate, and inspire.

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The Accidental Tourist

56 pages • 1 hour read

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Chapters 9-12 Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 9 summary.

Macon recalls his grandfather’s descent into dementia. He dreams about his grandfather warning him about losing the center of his life. Macon initially thinks Grandfather Leary is referring to Ethan, but Grandfather clarifies that he’s referring to Sarah . Macon realizes that Grandfather’s mind began to go once Grandmother Leary died. 

Macon gets his cast removed and then promptly must leave for New York to begin his next guide. He takes the train, following his routines with his choice of clothing and reading material. He feels isolated from everyone else at the station, noticing that most people are traveling with others, and even the people traveling alone seem to be meeting someone at their destination. 

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The accidental tourist

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• CBSE Notes For Class 9
• Class 9 English Notes and Summary
• Supplementary Chapter 9 The Accidental Tourist

The Accidental Tourist Summary & Notes - CBSE Class 9 English Moments

According to the CBSE Syllabus 2023-24, this chapter has been removed from  NCERT Class 9 English (Moments) textbook .

Summary of The Accidental Tourist

The Accidental Tourist is a story which reflects the humorous travel experiences of the author. He encounters unexpected hassles while travelling that call for trouble and embarrasses him immensely. Read the prose summary of CBSE Class 9 English Prose Notes – The Accidental Tourist in CBSE English Notes Class 9 format here to explore in detail. We hope this summary will help students to understand this chapter easily and prepare for their English exam with confidence.

Students can also learn how to write an effective essay by going through the essays to increase marks in Class 9 English papers.

CBSE Class 9 English The Accidental Tourist Summary

The Accidental Tourist is an entertaining story written by Bill Bryson, where he reflects on his travel experiences humorously. He casually describes the various incidents that took place while he was travelling to different places. He often acts clumsily and finds it difficult to manage things systematically. He wonders how other people do their regular work easily without any difficulty. A couple of times, he fails to locate the washroom in the movie theatre and ends up standing in a narrow passage of the door that locks by itself. He has a hard time living a normal life like other people and wonders how others do it so effortlessly.

Once, the author was travelling to England with his family during Easter. After reaching Logan Airport in Boston, while they were checking in, he abruptly remembered that he had joined the British Airways’ frequent flyer programme. He recollected that he had put the card in the carry-on bag that was dangling around his neck. When he tried opening the bag, the zip was clogged, and he exerted pressure to open it. In the process, the zip snapped, and everything that was kept inside the bag started spilling all over the place. Meanwhile, the author also noticed that his finger was injured and trapped in the zip. He was terrified at the sight that his finger was bleeding extensively.

Further, the author mentions the unexpected troubles that he encounters while travelling. In one such instance, while travelling in an aeroplane, he leaned over to tie his shoelace. Unfortunately, he was stuck when the person sitting ahead of him fully reclined his seat. With great difficulty, he freed himself from that cramped position. In another instance, he spilt some soft drinks on his co-passenger. Although the flight attendant cleaned up the mess, the author spilt another drink on the same passenger again. The lady was completely drenched and annoyed at the author for the inconvenience he caused her.

However, his worst experience on a flight was when he was writing in a notebook, and he sucked on the tip of the pen. At that time, he was also talking to a lady. Later when he went to the washroom, he saw that the pen had leaked unknowingly and ended up colouring his teeth, tongue and mouth in blue colour ink. He ended up feeling awkward for being so clumsy. Although the author is a gentleman, he always ends up in some cumbersome situation. His wife was well aware of his clumsiness. So, whenever food was delivered on the flight, she would instruct her children to remove the lid off the food for their father so that they could avoid any mishap from happening.

Nonetheless, the author clarifies that such unforeseen situations occur, particularly when he is travelling with his family. Whenever he travels alone, things work perfectly as he quietly sits on his seat and avoids tying his shoelaces if required. He avoids making mistakes while he is travelling on his own. He admits that he has been careless in updating his frequent flyer card due to time constraints. On multiple occasions, he either forgot to request the air miles from the airline authorities, or sometimes the airline didn’t record it on time. Furthermore, he mentions that there were instances when the airline informed him that he was not entitled to use air miles. Once due to a mismatch in his name on the ticket, he could not use his air miles and was left ineligible to travel to Bali on a first-class ticket.

Conclusion of The Accidental Tourist

The chapter – The Accidental Tourist teaches students that it is important to be organised and systematic in our lives, especially while travelling. We should be well-prepared; otherwise, we are likely to encounter unexpected mishaps like the author. Here, we brought you the CBSE Class 9 English Moments Prose Summary of The Accidental Tourist that will help students to have a solid insight into the chapter.

Besides, BYJU’S offers a huge collection of resources such as CBSE Notes and CBSE study materials . They can download BYJU’S – The Learning App and also check out CBSE sample papers and question papers.

Frequently Asked Questions on CBSE Class 9 English The Accidental Tourist

Why is it important for a student to be organised in life.

For students, being organised is particularly important since it helps them learn how to prioritise activities, set and achieve goals and reduce stress.

How should one be conscious and aware during travel?

1. Don’t drink bottled water from unknown shops/people 2. Avoid the tourist trap locations 3. Travel in off-season 4. Choose proper accommodation

What is the meaning of ‘unforeseen situation’?

Any situation that is not anticipated or expected is called an ‘unforeseen situation’.

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