Perhaps that is Augie's final flaw - to remain the eternal optimist even when there is nothing to be optimistic about. If he has learned his lessons well from the other characters in the novel, then he will know if his life will turn out successfully, and that he does not have to fit into the perfect model of the American male to still succeed and be happy in his chosen pursuits. In conclusion, the flawed characters in this novel add to the rich texture and fabric of the work. Augie must learn lessons from these characters by learning how to overcome many of his own flaws. Augie does learn that life in American society is a struggle, but there is still happiness waiting to be found somewhere in all the chaos. Bellow's use of disability and distress helps define his major

By using characters with disabilities, he enhances this theme by illustrating the unique struggle of individuals who are outside the norm of standard society.