Wallace Stegner's contribution to American literature is deeply rooted in the tradition of realism, where he masterfully portrays the ordinary lives of ordinary people. Through his works, Stegner strives to depict the real essence of the American West, diverging from the sensationalized versions often perpetuated by popular media. His narratives unfold slowly, mirroring the gradual evolution of real-life experiences and the subtle transformations that occur within individuals over time.

Stegner and the Tradition of American Realism

Stegner's writing aligns with the great tradition of American realism, a literary school characterized by its focus on everyday events in the lives of ordinary individuals. Esteemed authors such as William Dean Howells, Theodore Dreiser, Sherwood Anderson, Stephen Crane, and William Faulkner are notable members of this literary movement. Realistic fiction is distinguished by its attempt to mirror real life as experienced by most people, with plots that evolve slowly and changes that occur gradually without any dramatic patterns.

This tradition was particularly fitting for Stegner, whose lifelong goal was to depict the true nature of the American West. In contrast to the sensationalized portrayals of the West filled with cowboys, bandits, and saloon brawls, Stegner focused on the quiet, hardworking pioneers who built homes and raised families. His characters, despite carrying guns like their more legendary counterparts, were far from being superhuman marksmen.

Challenges of Literary Realism

One of the inherent challenges of literary realism is its potential to appear dull, as real life often lacks dramatic events. The success of realism relies heavily on sensitive description and close psychological analysis, with the most significant events occurring within the characters' minds. Stegner was deeply interested in character development and how individuals change over time. In his novels, these changes may span lifetimes, while in his short stories, transformations often occur within moments, as exemplified in "The Blue-Winged Teal."

The concept of "epiphany," as applied by novelist James Joyce, is crucial to understanding Stegner's work. An epiphany in fiction represents a spiritual insight into reality, prompting a character's transformation. These moments, often central to Stegner's stories and novels, can be both enlightening and unsettling, yet they are essential aspects of personal growth.

Stegner's Approach to Writing and Popular Reception

Despite being contemporaneous with famous authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, Stegner never achieved the same level of popular success. His understated approach to writing was not designed to attract mass audiences. Instead, Stegner focused on creating literature that offered keen insights into human nature, appealing to those who seek understanding over sensationalism. Although he is known for his fiction, Stegner's body of work includes significant non-fiction contributions, showcasing his versatility and dedication to literature.

The Big Rock Candy Mountain

The Big Rock Candy Mountain, published in 1943, was Stegner's first critical and popular success. The novel's title refers to a utopian vision where wealth is abundant, derived from a popular song of the early twentieth century. The book centers on Harry "Bo" Mason, a dreamer who traverses the West in search of riches, ultimately ending up penniless and disillusioned.

Bo's pursuit of wealth leads his family—his wife, Elsa, and their two sons, Chet and Bruce—across various landscapes, from North Dakota to Utah and Nevada. Stegner's portrayal of these places captures both their beauty and the hardships endured by those who live there. The narrative, told from the perspectives of all family members, spans 1906 to 1942, highlighting the family's struggles and the impact of Bo's elusive dreams.

While Bo embodies the restless spirit of frontier individualism, Elsa represents a longing for stability and community. The novel explores their incompatible dreams...