Writer and podcaster Osita Nwanevu discusses the legendary Tom Wolfe, questioning his writing quality and conservative leanings. They compare Wolfe's style to other 'new journalists' and ponder the significance of his iconic white suit. The conversation dives into Wolfe's influence on contemporary political narratives and cultural discourses.
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Quick takeaways
Tom Wolfe's writing style and appearance aimed to create a distinctive authorial persona, refraining from moralistic critiques.
Wolfe's innovative prose and admiration for youth culture set him apart from traditional conservatism.
Wolfe delved into subcultures showcasing the intersection of progress and tradition in American society.
His narratives explore themes of speed, power, and competition, tapping into left and right ideologies.
Deep dives
Tom Wolfe: A Stylish Chronicler of American Subcultures
Tom Wolfe, a renowned journalist and novelist, delved into subcultures with a keen eye, showcasing the intersection of progress and tradition in American society. His work on hot rods and NASCAR exemplifies his admiration for machine culture and the embrace of technological advancements, challenging typical notions of conservatism. Wolfe's innovative prose and admiration for youth culture and technological progress set him apart, blending a fascination with modernity and cultural critique.
The Evolution of Wolfe's Writing Style
Legendary for his innovative writing style, Tom Wolfe's career started with a remarkable piece on hot rods, showcasing his intentional and meticulous approach to prose despite the story's legendary origins. While heavily parodied and often misunderstood, Wolfe's intentional and inventive narrative structure demonstrated a deep care for crafting vibrant, engaging, and unconventional storytelling that captivated readers.
Thematic Imagery and Technological Utopianism
Exploring themes of speed, power, and competition through his pieces on cars, Tom Wolfe highlighted the essence of the American character and its interaction with technological advancements. His narratives touch on futuristic elements reminiscent of Italian futurism, tapping into both left and right ideologies in an exploration of American culture, progress, and subcultural identity.
Wolfe's Connection to Conservative Ideologies
While often surrounded by a cloud of parody and misconceptions, Tom Wolfe's writings reveal a nuanced connection to conservative ideologies, as seen through his admiration for technological progress and subcultural youth movements. His unique blend of admiration for American innovation and critique of societal destabilization captures a complex relationship with conservatism, resonating with figures like Peter Thiel, who share a similar belief in balancing progress with traditional values.
Christopher Buckley's Conservative Background and Wolff's Political Neutrality
Christopher Buckley, a right-wing historian who was comfortably in the conservative orbit, had connections to other prominent conservatives like Bill Buckley. Wolff framed himself as a neutral observer, downplaying his ideology despite hints in his work. Critics like Christopher Hitchens and Bill Buckley saw through this, recognizing Wolff's conservative leanings despite his attempts to appear neutral.
Exploring Wolff's Approach to Journalism and Fiction Writing
Wolff's writing style and appearance, like his signature white suit, aimed to create a distinctive authorial persona. While delving into cultural and social malaise, Wolff refrained from overly moralistic critiques in his work. His journalistic interest in societal unraveling and inner freedom resonated in his literary themes, depicting characters in stories like 'The Right Stuff' with a focus on human agency and social dynamics.
Contemplating Wolff's Legacy and Contributions to American Literature
Despite criticisms of his novels lacking depth or strong character development, Wolff's knack for detailing societal status and race dynamics in his stories was noted. His unique approach to blending journalism with fiction led to commercial success, although some questioned the literary merit of his work. Wolff's exploration of human agency and societal challenges through his writings left a lasting impact on American letters and journalistic traditions.
We took the holiday week off, so we're sharing an episode from behind the paywall. Coming soon: new episodes on The Biden Problem, SCOTUS, and Israeli illiberalism as an inspiration for the global right.
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In this episode, from January 2024, writer Osita Nwanevu joins for a rip-roaring conversation about legendary prose stylist, "new journalist," and novelist Tom Wolfe. Reviewing a new documentary about Wolfe ("Radical Wolfe" on Netflix), Osita writes, "Behind the ellipses and exclamation points and between the lines of his prose, a lively though often lazy conservative mind was at work, making sense of the half-century that birthed our garish and dismal present, Trump and all."
Answered herein: is Tom Wolfe a good writer? What kind of conservative is he? How does his approach compare to other "new journalists" like Joan Didion and Garry Wills? And what's the deal with the white suit?
