Nathanael West remains a pivotal yet tragic figure in American literature whose genius was largely overlooked during his lifetime. Despite publishing four novels before his untimely death in 1940, it was not until the 1950s that his works were recognized for their darkly comic brilliance. West's unique vision offers a searing critique of modern society, where traditional norms have collapsed, and absurdity reigns supreme.

The Absurdity of Modernity

West's death in an automobile accident eerily mirrors the themes prevalent in his fiction, where the modern world is portrayed as cold and indifferent, often leading to the destruction of its inhabitants. His narratives reflect a society where the breakdown of traditional orders results in a chaotic world devoid of norms. Contemporary critics pointed out the lack of "normal" characters in his work, critiquing the exaggerated depictions of human flaws and failures. However, this exaggeration was precisely the point of West's storytelling, as it underscored the inherent absurdity and unpredictability of human fate.

A Cartoonist's Eye and a Prophet's Vision

West's writing style is characterized by a cartoonist's eye, which accentuates human imperfections to an exaggerated extent, crafting a narrative that is both focused and intensely vivid. Many suggest that West prophesied the existential dread and disorientation that would become prevalent post-World War II. This prophetic nature likely contributed to the delayed appreciation of his work. Through his lens, West invites readers to confront the miseries and sufferings of life while simultaneously finding amusement in them. His narratives, although simple and almost cartoonlike, evoke a complex interplay of emotions, skillfully balancing humor and tragedy.

Characters as Archetypes

West's characters have often been criticized as two-dimensional, yet this simplification serves a specific purpose. By distilling human beings into sketches, West emphasizes the inescapable nature of fate. These characters, trapped in their identities, resonate with figures from Greek drama and biblical tales, imbuing his modern narratives with ancient notions of destiny. Readers, through the compassionate lens of Miss Lonelyhearts, are drawn into a world of unresolvable misery, yet they are also compelled to laugh at the absurdity, maintaining a persistent awareness of life's complexity.

A Critique Beyond Capitalism

While Miss Lonelyhearts offers a scathing critique of capitalism, pointing out the brutalities endured by workers, its focus transcends this singular theme. The novel explores the human condition at large, delving into existential questions and the struggles inherent in the human experience. A significant motif is the protagonist's identification with Jesus Christ, embodying the theme that those who attempt to save others often meet with demise. This identification suggests that roles within society dictate one's fate, echoing the idea that what is not required by the workplace is rendered unnecessary to the individual.

Names and Symbolism

West's use of names in Miss Lonelyhearts further enriches the narrative's depth. The protagonist's dual identity as Miss Lonelyhearts and Christ emphasizes the role one plays in determining destiny. Shrike, another character, symbolizes a fierce bird, devoid of life beyond its predatory nature, highlighting the futility of alternative roles. This existential theme resonates throughout the novel, suggesting that identification, while fundamentally human, can lead to a tragic end. West's ability to weave comedy into these dark themes provides a necessary distance, allowing readers to grasp the inherent absurdity without losing themselves to despair.

The Indispensable Role of Humor

Even in the bleakest scenarios, West's narrative is never far from laughter. His experiences writing for the Marx Brothers imbue his work with an inherent comedic sensibility, allowing readers to navigate the dark and absurd realities with a buffer of humor. This facet of his writing has been criticized as callous by some, yet it is integral to the realization of his artistic vision. Through masterful technique, West crafts a narrative where laughter becomes a means of survival, maintaining a delicate balance between acknowledging life's harsh truths and finding relief in humor.