Thomas Wolfe's literary prowess lay in his vivid character creation, especially in his early novels inspired by his own family. Renowned for his expansive and often unrestrained writing style, Wolfe imbued his work with a profound sense of American identity, akin to Walt Whitman's achievements in poetry. His ambitions in prose unmistakably defined him as a pivotal figure in American literature.

Beginnings and Formative Years

Born to William Oliver and Julia Elizabeth Westall Wolfe, Thomas Clayton Wolfe always seemed to surpass ordinary life. Standing at six feet six inches with a slightly hunched frame, his presence was marked by unruly dark hair and expressive eyes. In 1900, Asheville, North Carolina—his birthplace—was a secluded mountain town with a reputation as a seasonal getaway, drawing both summer and winter visitors.

The youngest of eight children, Wolfe's mother, Julia, was a music enthusiast and former teacher with a keen interest in real estate. In 1904, dissatisfied with her husband's drinking, she relocated her family to St. Louis. There, she opened a boardinghouse for World’s Fair guests, where tragedy struck as Wolfe’s twin brother died of typhoid fever.

Upon returning to Asheville in 1906, Julia established The Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, influencing Wolfe's upbringing and later literary work, such as in "Look Homeward, Angel." The Wolfe children navigated life between their mother's business and their father’s separate household, experiencing a youth filled with the vibrancy and challenges of communal living.

Wolfe's early education began at Orange Street Public School in 1905. By 1912, he transitioned to North State Fitting School, a private institution that nurtured his love for literature and the classics. This school, favorably depicted in "Look Homeward, Angel," was crucial in shaping his intellectual growth.

In 1916, Wolfe attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a decision influenced by his father’s refusal to allow him to attend the University of Virginia or Princeton. At Chapel Hill, Wolfe edited the "Tar Heel" newspaper and studied under Frederick H. Koch, laying the groundwork for his literary career.

A family tragedy in 1918—his brother Ben's death—left a profound impact, inspiring some of Wolfe's most poignant writing. By the time Wolfe graduated, his father was gravely ill, which further deepened his emotional and literary introspection. Wolfe then pursued a master's degree at Harvard, engaging in George Pierce Baker's 47 Workshop in drama.

Career and Romantic Pursuits

Wolfe began teaching at New York University's Washington Square Campus in 1924, balancing his academic role with frequent European travels. During one such voyage in 1925, he met Aline Bernstein, who became a significant influence and supported his literary endeavors. Her relationship with Wolfe inspired the character Esther Jacks in "The Web and the Rock."

Shifting from drama to novels in 1926, Wolfe discovered his true calling. His theatrical efforts, despite campus productions and Baker’s support, failed to find wider acceptance, leading him to focus on novel writing—a decision that would define his legacy.

Literary Achievements and Challenges

With "Look Homeward, Angel" published by Scribner’s in 1929, Wolfe quickly rose to fame. A Guggenheim Fellowship soon followed, allowing him to dedicate himself entirely to writing. Despite its initial lack of structure, the novel benefited from Maxwell Perkins' editorial guidance.

While in Europe, Wolfe garnered attention from literary peers like F. Scott Fitzgerald and was praised by Sinclair Lewis during his Nobel Prize acceptance. In his hometown, however, the novel sparked controversy as Wolfe's characters closely mirrored real-life Asheville residents, prompting legal action.

The sweeping autobiographical narrative of "Look Homeward, Angel " chronicles Eugene Gant's journey to adulthood....