William Kennedy Criticism
William Kennedy, a prominent American novelist, is celebrated for his transformative portrayal of Albany, New York, in his literary works, particularly through his acclaimed Albany cycle novels: Legs, Billy Phelan's Greatest Game, and Ironweed. These novels delve into the lives of depression-era Albany's diverse characters, including politicians, journalists, and the downtrodden citizens. As noted by various critics, Kennedy combines a regionalist's insight with a universal narrative appeal, crafting what Paul Gray describes as a "geography of the imagination." Despite mixed reviews for his initial novels, such as The Ink Truck, which combines reality with fantasy, Kennedy has been praised for his vibrant characterizations and dialogues. His fourth novel, Ironweed, received significant critical acclaim and won the 1983 National Book Critics Circle Award, marking Kennedy's maturation as a significant literary voice. His work is characterized by a refusal of sentimentality and a fresh linguistic style, placing him among the leading contemporary American novelists, as observed by Peter S. Prescott in "Albany's Mean Streets."
Contents
- Kennedy, William (Vol. 6)
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Kennedy, William (Vol. 28)
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A Guided Tour in Hell
(summary)
In the following essay, Shane Stevens argues that William Kennedy's first novel, The Ink Truck, successfully blends reality and fantasy to create a work of inventive imagination with well-defined characters and a coherent narrative, marking it as a notable debut by a talented writer.
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There's Nobility in a Born Loser in Mr. Kennedy's Comic 'Ink Truck'
(summary)
In the following essay, Daniel St. Albin Greene argues that William Kennedy's novel "The Ink Truck" is an extraordinary achievement that explores the nobility in failure through its central character Bailey, whose comic resistance against conformism and irrational idealism amidst a futile newspaper strike symbolizes a poignant and surreal odyssey.
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Cosy Souls
(summary)
In the following essay, Stanley Reynolds critiques William Kennedy's novel The Ink Truck for its lack of realism and limited comedic success, though he acknowledges its occasional serious insights into the crushing of idealism by American society.
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Theoretical Thuggery
(summary)
In the following essay, Valentine Cunningham critiques William Kennedy's novel Legs, arguing that while it captures a compelling tone and setting reminiscent of 1920s gangster films, it ultimately falters due to its uncritical portrayal of its morally ambiguous narrator and the romanticization of the American Dream through violence.
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If You Lose You Pay
(summary)
In the following essay, Jonathan Penner critiques William Kennedy's Billy Phelan's Greatest Game, highlighting its vivid depiction of 1938 Albany and its fascinating characters, while pointing out its narrative flaws, such as unnecessary subplots and strained themes, yet ultimately praising its compelling portrayal of human nature and societal dynamics.
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Nightcrawlers
(summary)
In the following essay, Peter S. Prescott critiques William Kennedy's "Billy Phelan's Greatest Game" for its lack of narrative cohesion and engagement while praising the author's skillful depiction of Albany's underworld and the appealing though fragmented storytelling style.
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Ironweed
(summary)
In the following essay, the critic highlights "Ironweed" as a novel rich in black humor and deep insights, depicting Francis Phelan's introspective journey through the hobo life in 1938, exploring themes of self-identity, redemption, and forgiveness within a realistic narrative set in Albany, New York.
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Ironweed
(summary)
In the following essay, Christopher Lehmann-Haupt examines William Kennedy's "Ironweed," highlighting its rich plot, dramatic tension, and thematic exploration of guilt and redemption through its protagonist, while noting the novel's artistic refinement and use of ghostly devices to streamline its storytelling.
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Imaginative Necessities
(summary)
In the following essay, Paul Gray argues that William Kennedy's Ironweed skillfully portrays the complexities of human character through the life of Francis Phelan, presenting a nuanced depiction of personal responsibility and mythologizing of the 1930s that restores dignity to the common man.
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Albany's Mean Streets
(summary)
In the following essay, Peter S. Prescott argues that William Kennedy's "Ironweed" establishes its tone and narrative blend of realism, myth, and satire from the outset, showcasing a refusal of sentimentality and fresh language, and positions Kennedy among the leading contemporary American novelists.
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A Guided Tour in Hell
(summary)