John Gardner, a revered figure in the world of literature, viewed art as a profound calling rather than a mere profession. He believed in the transformative power of art, a belief that was deeply infused into his writings and critical evaluations. Gardner's works attempt to integrate philosophical inquiries into everyday narratives, reflecting his conviction that true art must be both meaningful and moral.

The Calling of Literature

For Gardner, art transcended the boundaries of a career to become a vocation akin to a religious calling. He maintained that art has a significant, long-lasting effect on its audience, whether they are engaging with paintings, music, theater, or literature. Gardner ardently believed that authentic art should be inherently moral, reinforcing the noblest aspects of human nature. His novels and literary criticism, such as On Moral Fiction, reflect his firm belief in literature as a medium for profound moral and intellectual engagement.

Gardner's Literary Philosophy

Gardner articulated a clear standard for good writing, which he described as creating a "vivid and continuous dream" for the reader. This literary dream should not be disrupted by superficial trends or techniques that obscure the truth of human existence. In On Becoming a Novelist, he emphasized that true writing is "generous," meaning it should be complete, self-contained, and intellectually as well as emotionally significant. He strove to create such narratives in his own novels by delving deeply into his characters’ minds and hearts, presenting their viewpoints without overt judgment to preserve the reader’s unmediated experience of the narrative.

The Power of Perspective

In his novel Grendel, Gardner retells the Beowulf legend from the perspective of the monster Grendel, presenting a nuanced character who aspires to something beyond mere existence. This narrative approach highlights Gardner's belief in the importance of perspective and the communal vision in storytelling. The novel's structure, symbolically linked to Zodiac signs, and its blend of Christian and Norse mythology, imbue it with a layered complexity that reinforces its thematic depth.

Community and Nature in Gardner’s Fiction

Gardner frequently explored themes of community and nature in his novels. Characters who find themselves isolated from society often experience moral decline, as seen in October Light and Nickel Mountain. Conversely, characters who reconnect with their communities and the natural world often find redemption. In Nickel Mountain, for example, Henry Soames’ journey towards becoming an "artist" involves rediscovering the values of his environment and community, ultimately saving his own life.

Gardner’s Pastoral Novels

In his pastoral novels, Gardner demonstrated literature's potential to reinforce moral values and community ties. October Light uses the struggle between a brother and sister to reflect broader societal conflicts, including the tensions between tradition and modernity. By embedding a tawdry novel within the main narrative, Gardner illustrates how "immoral fiction" can erode ethical values. Nature and community emerge as stabilizing forces, hinting at the potential for resolution and healing through shared experiences.

The Sunlight Dialogues

The Sunlight Dialogues is a complex novel that blends action with philosophical discourse. It pits two characters against each other: police chief Fred Clumly and Taggert Hodge, the "Sunlight Man," in a confrontation that explores themes of law, order, and human morality. Through their dialogues, Gardner examines the philosophical underpinnings of justice and freedom, society, and individuality, reflecting his belief in the power of art to reconcile seemingly irreconcilable differences.

Mickelsson’s Ghosts

Gardner's last novel, Mickelsson’s Ghosts , builds on his recurring themes of community and the search for human values. The protagonist, Peter Mickelsson, a philosophy professor, grapples with his personal and existential crises. His journey towards self-restoration parallels his efforts to restore...