Richard Yates Criticism
Richard Yates (1926–1992) was a renowned American novelist, short story writer, and scriptwriter known for his poignant exploration of the "American Dream" and the often unremarkable lives of his characters, who are depicted with meticulous realism. His works unveil the underlying frustrations and isolation of suburban existence, offering a bleak but empathetic portrayal of human inadequacies. Yates's commitment to traditional storytelling over experimental techniques is evident in his celebrated debut novel, Revolutionary Road, a critical examination of suburban banality which gained high praise, including from authors like Kurt Vonnegut, who compared it to The Great Gatsby. His short story collections, such as Eleven Kinds of Loneliness and Liars in Love, continue this theme, delving into the pervasive tragedy of loneliness. Critic Peter Buitenhuis commends Yates for his Chekhovian insight in "Builders," while Robert R. Harris appreciates the depth of human despair in Liars in Love. Despite Yates's work sometimes being critiqued for its relentless bleakness, as noted by James Atlas, his narratives are imbued with a compelling blend of empathy and realism that continue to resonate with readers and critics alike.
Contents
- Yates, Richard (Vol. 8)
- Yates, Richard (Vol. 7)
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Yates, Richard (Vol. 23)
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Windows Opened on Experience
(summary)
In the following essay, Peter Buitenhuis evaluates Richard Yates' short story collection "Eleven Kinds of Loneliness," highlighting both its conventional elements and its moments of exceptional originality, ultimately commending Yates for his nuanced portrayal of loneliness within institutional settings and his progression towards a Chekhovian style in the story "Builders."
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The Clever, the True and the Marvelous: Three Fiction Writers
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In the following essay, John Thompson praises Richard Yates's A Special Providence for its clear and intelligent portrayal of a boy's growth and his mother's decline, highlighting the novel's straightforward language and emotional transparency.
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Short Reviews: 'A Good School'
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The critic examines how Richard Yates's A Good School uses a sardonic yet compassionate narrative to explore themes of aristocracy, adolescent struggle, and personal authenticity within a dysfunctional prep school setting, highlighting Yates's distinctive voice and the novel's contrast to his other works.
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Faces in a Yearbook
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In the following essay, Nicholas Guild critiques Richard Yates's novel A Good School, arguing that while the book is engaging and well-written, it ultimately suffers from a lack of cohesion between its autobiographical elements and the fictional narrative, leading to a sense of contrived resolution that undermines its exploration of the past.
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The Novelists
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In the following essay, Jonathan Penner argues that Richard Yates's novel A Good School is a quintessential example of Yates's ability to mine the commonplace for significant character and plot development, showcasing his distinct style and justness, which are often overlooked despite the profound humanity and emotional honesty in his work.
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Only Yesterday: 'A Good School'
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In the following essay, Thomas R. Edwards examines Richard Yates's A Good School as an elegiac portrayal of the school experience, critiquing its potential for sentimentality and noting the novel's detached narrative perspective and exploration of themes such as isolation, failure, and disillusionment among students and faculty.
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Brief Encounters: 'Liars in Love'
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In the following essay, Geoffrey Stokes critiques Richard Yates's Liars in Love as a collection of stories exemplifying professional writing yet lacking memorability and excitement, portraying seemingly extraordinary characters engaged in mundane activities.
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A Sure Narrative Voice
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In the following essay, James Atlas argues that Richard Yates masterfully portrays the bleakness of suburban life and the human condition with a style reminiscent of Fitzgerald's, blending empathy with brutality, but cautions that the relentless misery in Yates's work can leave readers emotionally exhausted.
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Fiction Briefs: 'Liars in Love'
(summary)
In the following essay, Robert R. Harris praises Richard Yates's short story collection Liars in Love for its realistic portrayal of themes such as pain, loss, and loneliness through skillfully crafted narratives that delve deeply into human despair and emotional complexity.
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Richard Yates' Tales of Remembrance
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In the following essay, Robert Wilson assesses Richard Yates' collection Liars in Love, highlighting Yates' strength in capturing the nostalgia of past eras with depth and realism, while critiquing his occasional lack of emotional resonance, which diminishes the impact of his characters' struggles.
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Windows Opened on Experience
(summary)