Critics at Large | The New Yorker

Alice Munro’s Fall from Grace

Jul 18, 2024
Critics at Large dives into the revelation of Alice Munro's daughter's sexual abuse by her stepfather and Munro's decision to stay with him. The discussion explores the impact on Munro's legacy, the delicate balance of separating art from artists, and the nuances of dealing with controversial figures in light of the #MeToo movement.
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ANECDOTE

Munro's Family Tragedy

  • Alice Munro's daughter, Andrea Skinner, revealed her stepfather's sexual abuse.
  • Despite Skinner informing Munro, Munro stayed with her husband until his death.
INSIGHT

Munro's Work and Readers

  • Alice Munro's work often features women, violence against women, and their compromises in a male-dominated world.
  • This resonates deeply with readers, making the revelations about her personal life particularly impactful.
ANECDOTE

Teaching Munro

  • Jiayang Fan, teaching a class on Munro, offered students the option to withdraw after the revelations.
  • No students withdrew, showing continued interest in engaging with Munro's work despite the controversy.
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