James Gould Cozzens, a significant figure in American literature, is celebrated for his novels and short stories that probe the intricate web of human experiences. His work often explores the interaction between individuals and the myriad ways in which they influence one another within society. Through his fiction, Cozzens sought to illustrate how these connections shape and are shaped by human behavior, crafting narratives that analyze the complexities of modern life.

Cozzens and the Short Story

Cozzens's short story collection, Children and Others, showcases his mastery of the short story form. Although most stories were penned between 1930 and 1937, three, including his masterpiece "Eyes to See," emerged as late as 1964. This range highlights his evolving prowess in short fiction, paralleling his longstanding commitment to the novel. The collection is divided into five sections: "Child’s Play," "Away at School," "War Between the States," "Love and Kisses," and the standout "Eyes to See." Notably, "Total Stranger" and "Farewell to Cuba" provide insightful glimpses into Cozzens's thematic exploration of human relationships and moral complexities.

"Total Stranger"

In "Total Stranger," Cozzens uses subtle humor and indirection to depict a boy's evolving perception of his father. As John returns to his New England prep school with his father, their journey reveals a father-son dynamic fueled by the father's dissatisfaction with John's academic achievements. A chance encounter with Mrs. Prentice, a woman from his father's past, offers John a new perspective on his father's life before marriage. This realization strengthens John's admiration for his father, motivating him to strive harder in school despite prior indifference.

"Farewell to Cuba"

"Farewell to Cuba" explores themes of entrapment and despair through the story of Martin Gibbs, an American bank employee planning to leave Cuba with his lover, Celia. Cozzens paints a vivid picture of Havana's oppressive atmosphere, mirroring Martin's internal conflict about escaping his life of stagnation. The revelation of Celia's true identity and Martin's bank theft adds an unexpected twist, highlighting the futility of their escape plan. Cozzens crafts a narrative where Martin's best intentions unravel, leaving him bereft and facing dire consequences.

"Eyes to See"

The story "Eyes to See" delves into themes of love, death, and personal growth through the eyes of fifteen-year-old Dick Maitland. Summoned home from school after his mother's death, Dick navigates the rituals surrounding her funeral, encountering relatives whose lives challenge his understanding of familial relations and identity. Cozzens skillfully layers retrospective insights with the protagonist's immediate experiences, illustrating Dick's transition from naivety to a nuanced comprehension of his world. As Dick grapples with the complexities of life and death, he awakens to the unpredictable nature of existence and the profound effect of human connections.

Cozzens’s Philosophical Underpinnings

Cozzens’s letters reveal his literary purpose: to bring structure to the "immensity and the immense complexity" of human experience. He rejected singular explorations of the psyche or social institutions in favor of studying human interaction. His belief that society functions as an organism, not an organization, influences his portrayal of individuals as part of a larger, complex system. Cozzens's fiction dissects the lives of ordinary people, examining their beliefs, decisions, and the outcomes of their actions.

Evolution of Cozzens’s Novels

Beginning with S.S. San Pedro, Cozzens’s novels progressively honed in on smaller slices of life, examining them with increasing precision. His works revealed the intricate web of interactions shaping individual destinies, acknowledging the roles of chance and uncertainty. Despite this, Cozzens affirmed a man’s ability to live "rightly" within the chaotic world, a theme central to his later novels.

Character Studies in Cozzens's Fiction

Cozzens's protagonists are typically ordinary individuals,...