Clarence Major Criticism
Clarence Major, born in 1936, is a notable figure in American literature, recognized for his work as a novelist, poet, critic, editor, and essayist. Although he stands somewhat apart from the mainstream of contemporary black literature due to his nonmilitant perspectives, Major is deeply engaged with African American themes. His approach is characterized by a preference for artistic exploration over sociological commentary, as he believes "people who want to write sociology should not write a novel." Major's work often weaves complex narratives that reflect on identity, freedom, and the black experience, frequently employing innovative, non-linear structures and imaginative prose. For instance, his novel No features a protagonist likened to Richard Wright's Bigger Thomas, exploring themes of violence as a form of liberation from oppression, as examined by Jim Walker. Major's contributions to literature include his novel All-Night Visitors, which, despite its structural critiques by Christopher Lehmann-Haupt, represents an exploration of love and autonomy, and Swallow the Lake, where Major's experimental poetry aims to transcend the confines of protest poetry, as noted by Frank Mac Shane. His literary output reflects a continual effort to redefine black literature, as discussed in John O'Brien's critique of The Dark and Feeling, keeping Major at the forefront of literary innovation.
Contents
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Major, Clarence (Vol. 3)
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In the following essay, George Davis critiques Clarence Major's novel "No," emphasizing its complexity, encoded narrative, and vivid imagery that explores themes of psychological torment and societal issues, while questioning its accessibility and broader appeal to both Black and white readers.
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Major, Clarence (Vol. 19)
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Books of 'The Times': On Erotica
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In the following essay, Christopher Lehmann-Haupt critiques Clarence Major's novel "All-Night Visitors," arguing that while the author is sincere and passionate, the novel's structure fails to engage the reader and is marred by poor prose, detracting from its exploration of love and autonomy.
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Books Noted: 'All Night Visitors'
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In the following essay, Ron Welburn analyzes Clarence Major's novel All-Night Visitors, suggesting that while its protagonist Eli Bolton embodies certain stereotypes, the novel ultimately represents a step towards social responsibility and maturity, reflecting broader themes relevant to the Black American experience.
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A Range of Six
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In the following essay, Frank Mac Shane examines Clarence Major's struggle in "Swallow the Lake" to transcend the confines of Black protest poetry and create work that authentically reflects his personal and societal experiences, though his experimental approach often results in disjointed and tentative verse.
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Book Reviews: 'No'
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In the following essay, Jim Walker examines Clarence Major's novel No, highlighting its exploration of themes such as America's penal-like society, self-awareness, personal liberation, and violence, through a unique prose style that blends fantasy and reality, ultimately suggesting that violence can be a path to freedom and self-discovery.
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Is Black Literature beyond Criticism?
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In the following essay, John O'Brien discusses Clarence Major's collection "The Dark and Feeling," highlighting Major's critique of the ideological limitations of traditional criticism on black literature and his efforts to define new evaluative criteria for black writers, while noting some essays in the collection lack depth.
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Five Black Poets: History, Consciousness, Love, and Harshness
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In the following essay, Eugene B. Redmond evaluates Clarence Major's contributions to experimental poetry and prose, emphasizing his focus on Black history and identity, and suggests that while Major's work is significant, it often struggles with clarity of expression and the effective presentation of its complex themes.
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'Reflex and Bone Structure'
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In the following essay, Thomas Lask contends that Clarence Major's novel "Reflex and Bone Structure" delivers an exhilarating reading experience through its vivid portrayal of the protagonist Cora, employing impressionistic writing and metaphorical elements that invite enjoyment over analysis.
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The Life of Fiction
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In the following essay, Jerome Klinkowitz examines Clarence Major's novels "All-Night Visitors" and "No," highlighting Major's use of imaginative exploration and unique narrative structures to address themes of identity, freedom, and the black experience.
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Clarence Major
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In the following essay, Jerome Klinkowitz argues that Clarence Major's innovative approach to fiction, characterized by lyrical imagination and a departure from traditional social realism, challenges conventional black literature by prioritizing personal and artistic exploration over linear narratives and by blurring the lines between poetry, fiction, and autobiography.
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Notes on a Novel in Progress: Clarence Major's 'Emergency Exit'
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In the following essay, Jerome Klinkowitz praises Clarence Major's novel-in-progress, Emergency Exit, for its innovative combination of "pure writing" passages and narrative sections, arguing that Major's techniques create a novel that is both self-referential and accessible, while solving significant challenges in contemporary fiction.
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A Reading of Clarence Major's Fiction
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In the following essay, Doug Bolling examines Clarence Major's innovative and experimental approach to fiction, highlighting his contributions to postmodern literature through his departure from traditional narrative structures and exploration of themes such as identity, societal critique, and the fluidity of reality, as seen in his short stories like "Dear Freud" and "Newhouse."
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Clarence Major: Poet & Language Man
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In the following essay, Fanny Howe examines Clarence Major's poetic evolution, highlighting how his recent work in The Syncopated Cakewalk reflects a shift towards a more historically conscious and morally engaged style, which integrates complex modern diction with a persistent awareness of historical context.
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Books of 'The Times': On Erotica
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