'Trail of the Hawk: a Comedy of the Seriousness of Life' Summary

The Hawk, a young man named Carl Ericson, embarks on a life filled with adventure and self-discovery. He escapes the confines of his small-town upbringing, first running away with a girl from a wealthy family, only to be rescued by a backwoods philosopher who teaches him the value of independence. He then wanders the country as a hobo, working odd jobs and experiencing the harsh realities of life on the road. After a brief attempt at higher education, he takes on a variety of roles, including a bartender, an engineer in Panama, and finally, an aviator, where he earns his nickname 'The Hawk.' His daring exploits in the skies bring him both fame and danger, eventually leading him to leave aviation and embrace a new challenge as an automobile salesman. As he navigates the social circles of New York, The Hawk finds himself unexpectedly entangled in the world of love and courtship, adding another layer of complexity to his journey. The novel, through its episodic narrative, explores themes of ambition, self-reliance, the search for identity, and the changing social landscape of early 20th-century America, offering a glimpse into the dreams and disillusionments of a young man striving to find his place in a rapidly evolving world.