Through a blend of humor and tragedy, John Irving's The World According to Garp captures a modern literary audience while exploring deep-seated human vulnerabilities. Critics have lauded Irving’s narrative for its rich tapestry of characters and its reflection of life’s unpredictability and imperfections. Drawing inspiration from classic works such as Laurence Sterne’s Tristram Shandy, Irving intertwines the comedic with the poignant, crafting a novel that remains both critically acclaimed and popularly successful.

The Narrative Technique

Irving’s narrative technique in The World According to Garp follows the life of T. S. Garp from conception to death, mirroring the structure of Sterne’s Tristram Shandy. This approach creates a lifespan arc that emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and death. The character of Garp, with his literary predecessor’s name echoing Sterne’s influence, guides readers through numerous episodes that balance the outrageous and the serious. Episodes like Michael Milton’s mutilation resonate with Sterne’s style, underlining a shared tonal eccentricity. Additionally, the inclusion of Randall Jarrell’s poem, "The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner," reinforces the theme of human vulnerability, linking Garp’s experiences to broader existential reflections.

Autobiographical Rejection

Despite the parallels between Garp’s life and his own, Irving distances himself from autobiographical interpretations. Born in New Hampshire in 1942, attended Exeter, and having wrestled and lived in Vienna, Irving shares several biographical details with Garp. However, he explicitly dismisses the notion that the novel serves as a self-reflective autobiography, underscoring that the autobiographical approach holds little literary value for him. Influenced by mentors like Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., Irving champions the power of storytelling as the hallmark of a successful novelist, celebrating the clarity and narrative drive of writers like Charles Dickens over introspective literature.

Reception and Criticism

The novel received overwhelmingly positive reviews upon release. Critics like William McPherson of the Washington Post Book World and Christopher Lehmann-Haupt of the New York Times hailed it as a vibrant blend of humor and horror. Mark Stevens of the National Review praised its imaginative flair, while Julian Moynahan acknowledged Irving’s intuitive storytelling. Yet, amidst praise, some critics pointed to perceived flaws. Richard Gilman, for instance, denounced the novel’s "fundamental insincerity," viewing it as a commercial success masquerading as literary seriousness.

Humor and Tragedy

The novel seamlessly interweaves humor with tragedy, a hallmark of Irving’s style that has drawn comparisons to the Marx Brothers' riotous energy. This juxtaposition is evident in the beloved short story "The Pension Grillparzer," which many consider a centerpiece of the novel’s charm. Although some critics like Michael Malone extolled its beauty, others questioned the interplay of comedy and death, suggesting that the novel over-explicated rather than embodied this complex relationship.

Postmodern Elements

Academics have noted the novel's postmodern characteristics, as examined by Raymond J. Wilson. By comparing Irving’s work to that of John Barth and Robert Coover, Wilson highlights its "zone of the bizarre" and metafictional tendencies. The novel’s fantasy elements serve to heighten a sense of reality, drawing attention to its own construction and the creative process itself.

Critiques of Gender

Critiques of the novel from a feminist perspective, as analyzed by Janice Doane and Devon Hodges, focus on its portrayal of female characters. They argue that despite the presence of strong women, the narrative reinforces patriarchal authority and ultimately silences female voices. This interpretation remains contentious, with Irving and many readers disagreeing, suggesting instead that the novel presents a complex tapestry of gender dynamics.

Irving’s Thematic Preoccupations

Before The World According to Garp , Irving's earlier works only suggested his literary potential. However, with the release of Garp, Irving became a significant figure in American literature. Recurring themes...