Bernard Malamud's Literary Philosophy

Bernard Malamud emerged as a formidable literary figure in the late 1950s and early 1960s, offering a stark contrast to the then-popular "new novel" school of writing. This school often eschewed form and portrayed a cynical, amoral view of the world with atypical characters, leaving readers with a bleak outlook on humanity's future. In response, Malamud maintained an unyielding belief in the power of storytelling to preserve civilization and promote humanism, emphasizing that art must celebrate life and inspire betterment without descending into moral preaching.

The Importance of Form and Story

Malamud’s literary roots were deeply anchored in the narrative methods of the 19th century, guided by a firm belief in form as "the basis of literature." Influenced by European realists like Gustave Flaubert and Leo Tolstoy, as well as American writers such as Ernest Hemingway, Malamud insisted on the necessity of structure and character development in fiction. He viewed storytelling as the core of literature, opposing trends that favored style over narrative substance.

Character and Initiation in Malamud’s Stories

Character development is central to Malamud's narratives. He often utilized the archetype of the "schlemiel," typifying individuals who grapple with their fate yet manage to transcend it, evoking both laughter and pity. His works generally follow an initiation pattern, where protagonists—typically young men or those with underdeveloped personalities—embark on journeys of self-discovery. Through encounters with mentor-like figures, they learn the importance of suffering and spirituality, ultimately accepting responsibility for their own lives.

The Mythic Structure of Malamud's Narratives

Malamud’s storytelling often embodies a mythic structure reminiscent of the "separation-initiation-return" cycle described by Joseph Campbell. His protagonists, from Roy Hobbs of "The Natural" to Yakov Bok of "The Fixer," undergo transformative journeys that lead them from innocence to experience, facilitated by trials and interactions with various father figures. These narratives are open-ended, emphasizing the protagonist's newfound self-awareness and responsibility rather than providing a definitive conclusion.

Malamud's Humanism and the Universal Jew

While Malamud's Jewish heritage is a significant influence, he resists being pigeonholed solely as a Jewish writer. For Malamud, Jewish characters serve as metaphors for the broader human experience. He seeks to capture the universal struggle for a better life, asserting that "all men are Jews." Through his synecdochic approach, Malamud explores universal themes of suffering, redemption, and communal humanity, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries.

Explorations of Hope and Redemption

Malamud's works are imbued with a sense of hope. Despite the challenges and sufferings faced by his characters, they are depicted as resilient seekers of "possibilities," "a better life," and "opportunities." His narratives champion the idea that suffering can lead to personal growth and redemption, transforming adversity into a positive force.

The Natural: The Trials of Roy Hobbs

The Natural, Malamud's debut novel, weaves together the myth of the legendary quest with the distinctly American setting of baseball. Roy Hobbs, the novel's protagonist, embodies the archetypal hero on a quest for greatness. However, his journey is marred by moral failings, symbolized by his entanglement with the temptress Memo Paris and his ultimate downfall in the baseball playoffs. The novel blends elements of fantasy and realism, offering a commentary on heroism and the human condition.

The Assistant: Redemption Through Suffering

The Assistant delves into the moral transformation of Frank Alpine, a petty thief who finds redemption through suffering and responsibility. Set against the backdrop of a struggling Jewish grocery store, the novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the quest for self-worth. Alpine's journey from a life of crime to a commitment to Jewish values and ethics underscores Malamud's belief in the potential for personal renewal.