John O'Hara Criticism
John O'Hara, an influential American novelist, short story writer, essayist, and critic, is renowned for his portrayal of small-town America, particularly through his creation of the fictional Gibbsville. His narratives often delve into the struggles for financial and social dominance, encapsulated in a prose style distinguished by its objectivity and understatement. While O'Hara's works have sometimes been critiqued for their literal realism and lack of metaphor, as noted by John Updike, his keen observation and unembellished prose lend his stories a distinctive authenticity. O'Hara's skill in capturing social nuances is further underscored by Arthur Voss, who highlights his effective use of character studies and dialogue. As Malcolm Bradbury observes, O'Hara's fiction engages deeply with social realism, examining societal norms and human anxieties within a harsh, yet precise narrative framework. His short story collection, Pal Joey, notably transitioned into a celebrated Broadway musical, further cementing his influence in American literature.
Contents
- O'Hara, John (Vol. 6)
- O'Hara, John (Vol. 3)
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O'Hara, John (Vol. 11)
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Arthur Voss
(summary)
In the following essay, Arthur Voss argues that while John O'Hara's short stories are often critiqued for their literal realism and lack of depth, they effectively capture social nuances through character studies and dialogue, demonstrating his significant skills as both a literary craftsman and a social historian.
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A Respectable Reprobate
(summary)
In the following essay, Malcolm Bradbury argues that John O'Hara's fiction reflects a deep concern with social realism, characterized by precise observation, controlled narrative style, and an emphasis on dialogue, while engaging in a critical examination of societal norms and human anxieties within a solid, yet harsh social framework.
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The Doctor's Son
(summary)
In the following essay, John Updike argues that John O'Hara's letters and fiction reflect his immense curiosity and empathy, particularly through his astute portrayal of women, while suggesting that his aversion to metaphor and reliance on straightforward, unembellished prose limit the literary depth of his works.
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Arthur Voss
(summary)
- O'Hara, John (Vol. 1)
- O'Hara, John (Vol. 2)