In 1963, Mary McCarthy's novel, The Group, marked a significant exploration of women's issues from a feminist perspective, published thirty years after the Vassar class of 1933 graduated. Although the ideas presented were not as provocative to a 1960s audience as they might have been in the 1930s, the novel's raw and candid approach caught readers off guard. Particularly for those within the Vassar community, the novel's perceived descent into self-indulgent gossip was disconcerting. This connection to real-life individuals and events sparked controversy. By 1985, McCarthy herself admitted, during an appearance at Vassar College, that The Group was her least favorite and most embarrassing work.

Mary McCarthy's literary prowess extended beyond her novels. Renowned for her sharp observational skills and intellectual rigor, McCarthy critiqued the worlds of theater, literature, and global affairs. As a drama critic for Partisan Review and an essayist, she consistently scrutinized her subjects with a critical eye. Her collection Mary McCarthy’s Theatre Chronicles 1937-1962 (1963) compiles her reviews, while The Company She Keeps (1942) offers character studies that harken back to the literary traditions of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. In the latter, McCarthy created archetypal characters, each defined by their physical traits, societal roles, and unique behaviors.

McCarthy's essays seamlessly paved the way for her novels, which often seemed like extended character essays set against sociological backdrops. For instance, in The Oasis (1949), she presents a Utopian community of intellectuals in a philosophical narrative. The Groves of Academe (1952) examines another intellectual group within a fictional college setting, evocative of McCarthy's experiences at Bard and Sarah Lawrence Colleges. Meanwhile, A Charmed Life (1955) portrays New Leeds, a Utopian community in New England, weaving social critique, satire, and irony throughout.

McCarthy's work, whether through her novels or essays, showcases a compelling blend of social criticism and narrative craft. Her keen insights into the human condition and societal norms resonate deeply, challenging readers to confront the realities of their time. Despite her mixed feelings about The Group, McCarthy’s broader oeuvre remains a testament to her literary acumen and her unwavering commitment to intellectual honesty.