Glenway Wescott traversed both geographical and literary landscapes, shaping his narratives with themes of self-discovery and love amidst changing backdrops. His works explore the tension between the puritanical midwestern roots he left behind and the sophisticated allure of expatriate life in Europe. In this synthesis of Wescott's oeuvre, we examine his thematic preoccupations, narrative techniques, and the symbolic structures that underpin his stories and novels.

Recurring Themes and Techniques

Throughout his career, Wescott's narratives consistently revolved around the dual themes of the self and love. Both his novels and short stories exhibit a preoccupation with the individual's search for identity and the complexities of romantic and familial bonds. A distinctive technique that Wescott employed is the participating narrator, a character who is both part of the story and a commentator on the events, offering a layer of introspection and analysis. This method is notably applied in his novella The Pilgrim Hawk, where the protagonist Alwyn Tower reflects on past events with a blend of personal insight and philosophical inquiry.

Wescott's use of symbolism, particularly bird imagery, is prevalent across his works. Birds serve as multifaceted symbols, representing freedom, aspiration, or entrapment depending on the narrative context. In The Pilgrim Hawk, the hawk embodies various aspects of the characters' relationships and desires, evolving in meaning as the story progresses. This symbolic richness is a hallmark of Wescott's style, inviting readers to delve deeper into the psychological and emotional undercurrents of his characters.

Short Stories: "Good-bye, Wisconsin" and Beyond

Good-bye, Wisconsin is a collection of short stories that captures Wescott's nuanced view of his home state. The stories explore themes of self-discovery and romantic entanglement against the backdrop of rural Wisconsin, offering a critique of its constraining societal norms. In "The Sailor," the protagonist Terrie escapes to Europe, only to return with a sense of disillusionment rooted in a failed love affair. "In a Thicket" and "The Whistling Swan" similarly juxtapose the innocence of youth against the harsh realities of adult life and unrequited love.

The short story "A Guilty Woman" examines the transformative power of love through the character of Evelyn Crowe, who emerges from her past as an ex-convict with a renewed understanding of passion and vulnerability. The acclaimed "Like a Lover" delves into the dynamics of power and control in relationships, drawing parallels between romantic fixation and divine worship. Together, these stories illustrate Wescott's ability to weave complex emotional tapestries using the seemingly mundane fabric of rural life.

Novellas and Novels: Crafting Larger Narratives

Wescott's foray into longer forms includes the novella The Pilgrim Hawk, which many critics regard as a short masterpiece. Set in France and narrated by Alwyn Tower, the story dissects the lives of expatriates through a single day's events, with the hawk symbolizing various aspects of human desire and artistic ambition. Tower's reflections imbue the narrative with a contemplative depth, highlighting Wescott's skill in marrying symbolism with character development.

The Apple of the Eye, Wescott's debut novel, introduces the theme of self-discovery against a backdrop of rural puritanism. The protagonist Dan Strane's journey from religious constraint to personal enlightenment parallels Wescott's own departure from Wisconsin in search of broader horizons. The novel's symbolic landscape and lyrical prose foreshadow Wescott's later mastery of the symbolic mode.

The Grandmothers: Family Histories and Personal Reflection

In The Grandmothers , Wescott intertwines personal history with a broader exploration of familial and cultural identity. Alwyn Tower, once again a participating narrator, pieces together the fragmented stories of his ancestors to uncover the roots of his own identity. The novel's structure allows for a fluid movement through...