Richard Hughes Criticism
Richard Hughes (1900–1976) was an Anglo-Welsh writer celebrated for his contributions across various literary forms, including novels, plays, poetry, and children's literature. His most acclaimed novel, A High Wind in Jamaica, is renowned for its insightful psychological exploration and its transparent style, which effectively reveals the inner workings of its characters, particularly children. This approach allows Hughes to craft believable and relatable narratives, a hallmark of his literary prowess.
In his subsequent works, such as The Fox in the Attic and The Wooden Shepherdess, Hughes demonstrates his ability to weave fiction with historical events. Critics, however, are divided on the effectiveness of these novels. While Goronwy Rees commends Hughes for his vivid historical imagination and narrative skill in The Wooden Shepherdess, specifically his portrayal of Hitler during the Night of the Long Knives, others view his attempts at epic storytelling as flawed. Ronald De Feo criticizes these novels for their disjointed structure and stylistic excess, arguing that the grand narrative Hughes aspires to creates a static and rambling effect. Meanwhile, Walter Sullivan acknowledges Hughes's skill in blending historical and fictional elements but points out some deficiencies in his portrayal of American culture. Despite these criticisms, Hughes's work remains a significant contribution to 20th-century literature, recognized for its psychological depth and historical insight.
Contents
-
Hughes, Richard (Vol. 11)
-
Night Owl
(summary)
In the following essay, Goronwy Rees praises Richard Hughes for his vivid historical imagination and narrative skill in The Wooden Shepherdess, highlighting Hughes's unique ability to recreate historical events with both accuracy and imaginative insight, particularly in his portrayal of Hitler during the Night of the Long Knives.
-
Ronald De Feo
(summary)
In the following essay, Ronald De Feo critiques Richard Hughes's novels The Fox in the Attic and The Wooden Shepherdess as disjointed and stylistically overwhelming, arguing that Hughes's attempt at a grand narrative falls short, resulting in a static and rambling work lacking meaningful coherence.
-
Walter Sullivan
(summary)
In the following essay, Walter Sullivan appraises Richard Hughes's novels, particularly The Wooden Shepherdess, highlighting Hughes's adeptness at blending historical events with fictional narratives and praising his convincing portrayal of the Night of the Long Knives, despite noting some shortcomings in his depiction of American culture.
-
Night Owl
(summary)
- Hughes, Richard (Vol. 1)