Analysis
Richard G. Stern's body of work, though often underappreciated, represents a robust contribution to contemporary literature. His novels and short stories are marked by erudition, wit, and a deep exploration of human relationships across diverse settings and professions. Stern's writing demands from readers an engagement with complex themes and a willingness to navigate his dense allusions and intricate narratives.
The Influence of Literary Precursors
Stern’s stylistic development was influenced significantly by the textbook Understanding Fiction by Robert Penn Warren and Cleanth Brooks. This guiding framework informed his early attempts to weave meaning through action, likening it to "orange bits in jello." Dissatisfied with his initial outputs, Stern shifted from short stories to novels, with his first published work being Golk. Like Saul Bellow, Stern's writing is characterized by its erudition and allusiveness, demanding readers be conversant with Western literature and languages such as French, German, and Italian. Despite such demands, Stern's humor is evident, providing a lens through which the absurdities of the human condition are mirrored with affection and craft.
Crafting Short Stories with Depth
Stern's short stories, particularly those in Noble Rot, exemplify his ability to blend humor with complexity. "Good Morrow, Swine" showcases his penchant for language-based humor, requiring knowledge of French mistranslations. Similarly, "Veni, Vidi Wendt" is a long short story that presents a comedic portrayal of a composer who seeks solitude over recognition, paralleling historical events like the 1968 assassinations in America. The allusions extend to Latin and German linguistic jokes, enhancing the story's humor.
"Arrangements at the Gulf" and "Double Charley" highlight Stern's interest in thematic reversals, exploring relationships marked by unexpected twists. In "A Counterfactual Proposal," Stern employs irony and farcical outcomes to further critique human interactions.
Exploring Deep Emotional Landscapes
In stories like "Wissler Remembers" and "A Recital for the Pope," Stern juxtaposes the absurd with sincere emotional reflection. "Wissler Remembers" humorously examines the recollections of an aging teacher, while "A Recital for the Pope" blends the grotesque with formal settings, exemplifying how Stern’s characters navigate incongruent social environments.
"La Pourriture Noble" and "Dying" exhibit Stern’s exploration of human behavior and societal expectations, while "Aurelia Frequenzia Reveals the Heart and Mind of the Man of Destiny" critiques political and personal hypocrisy through a satirical lens.
Shares, and Other Fictions
"Shares: A Novel in Ten Pieces" examines family dynamics through interconnected stories focusing on the Share brothers. The narrative explores themes of ambition, familial expectations, and personal failure, revealing Stern’s nuanced understanding of human desires and societal pressures. "The Degradation of Tenderness" and "In a Word, Trowbridge" further delve into parental relationships and personal identity, showcasing Stern’s ability to portray complex emotional landscapes.
Stern’s Narrative Approach and Themes
In interviews, Stern has articulated his approach to writing as an exercise in "detachment," rejecting the romantic inclusion of personal life and opinions in his work. Instead, he immerses himself in his characters' worlds, creating narratives that explore the complexities of human experience without overt authorial intrusion.
One consistent element in Stern’s fiction is the setting—his characters are deeply connected to the cities they inhabit, from New York in Golk to Los Angeles in Pacific Tremors. Another recurring theme is the lack of conclusive resolutions, where change is subtle and internal rather than external. Marcus Klein has noted this as a movement from private to public involvement, resulting in "modest" moral success.
Golk: A Satirical Exploration
Stern’s first novel, Golk , satirizes the intrusion of television into private lives, featuring Hondorp, a reclusive man thrust into the public sphere. The novel critiques the exploitation of genius and the ephemeral nature of fame,...
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ultimately portraying Hondorp’s return to anonymity as a commentary on identity and ambition. Critics often focus on the satire of privacy invasion, yet Stern emphasizes the broader theme of "genius and its epigones."
In Any Case: Betrayal and Moral Complexity
In Any Case is a narrative woven around themes of betrayal and moral ambiguity. Protagonist Samuel Curry delves into past accusations against his son, uncovering a web of personal and political betrayals. The novel presents a nuanced exploration of intention versus action, emphasizing the moral complexities that shape human relationships.
Stitch: The Struggle of Genius
In Stitch, Stern revisits the theme of genius through Edward Gunther, an American in Europe, contrasted with the sculptor Thaddeus Stitch. The novel explores the disparity between genuine artistic creation and cultural mimicry. Edward’s inability to grasp true art is juxtaposed with Stitch’s monumental legacy, highlighting the epigone’s struggle for legitimacy.
Other Men’s Daughters: Evolving Relationships
Other Men’s Daughters explores the complexities of evolving relationships through Dr. Merriwether’s affair with a young woman, Cynthia Ryder. The novel poignantly captures personal and familial disintegration, reflecting on themes of love, loss, and societal judgment. Stern intricately portrays Merriwether’s internal struggle against the backdrop of societal expectations and personal desires.
Natural Shocks: Death and Privacy
Natural Shocks grapples with themes of death and privacy, centering on journalist Frederick Wursup’s intrusive exploration of private lives. Stern examines the moral implications of journalistic exposure, intertwining these with personal loss and existential reflection. The narrative underscores the tension between public revelation and private experience.
A Father’s Words: Navigating Family Dynamics
A Father’s Words shifts focus to parent-child relationships, particularly the conflict between Cy Riemer and his son Jack. The novel dissects the burdens of parental expectations and the quest for independence. Stern skillfully portrays the generational clash and the ironic triumphs of the children, revealing the complexities of familial bonds with wit and empathy.
In sum, Richard G. Stern’s work defies simple categorization, blending satire, humor, and deep psychological insight. His narratives, while demanding, offer profound reflections on human nature, society, and the perpetual search for identity and meaning.
