The Thomistic Institute
Walker Percy's The Moviegoer Seen Again | Paul Elie
Oct 16, 2019
Literary scholar and author Paul Elie discusses Walker Percy's novel 'The Moviegoer', exploring its departure from Southern literary norms, Percy's transition from doctor to writer, the theme of mystery in his works, and the enigmatic qualities of the novel that set it apart.
33:41
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Quick takeaways
- The journey of 'The Moviegoer' publication and Percy's encounter with key individuals shaped his success.
- The novel 'The Moviegoer' challenges traditional Southern themes with existentialist perspectives and everyday exploration.
Deep dives
Origins of The Moviegoer and Walker Percy's Transition to Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
The podcast delves into the origins of Walker Percy's novel 'The Moviegoer' and how it transitioned to being published by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. It discusses the journey of the book's publication, from Percy's encounters with different publishers to the significant influence of key individuals like Alfred Knopf. Despite initial editing challenges, 'The Moviegoer' went on to win the National Book Award, leading Percy to meet Robert Giroux and publish his subsequent works with F.S.G.
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