Steven Moore, an American author and literary critic, discusses the work of novelist William Gaddis. Topics include the connection between Gaddis and James Joyce, their first meeting, the unfinished book Agape, Gaddis' view on success and audience, the absent father theme, recommended starting points for new readers, and Gaddis' association with postmodernism.
William Gaddis aimed to critique American society, exposing its corruption and ethical flaws.
Gaddis' atheism influenced his critique of organized religion and exploration of absent father figures in his works.
Gaddis portrayed and criticized various systems like capitalism and education for their corruptive influences.
Deep dives
Stephen Moore's Personal Connection to Gaddis
Stephen Moore shares his personal connection to Gaddis and how he identified with the author's worldview and writing style.
Gaddis' Focus on American Society and its Faults
Moore explains that Gaddis was primarily concerned with critiquing American society and highlighting its corruption, hypocrisy, and ethical shortcomings.
Gaddis' Views on Religion and Absent Father Figures
Moore discusses Gaddis' atheism and how it influenced the themes of absent father figures and the critique of organized religion in his works.
Gaddis' Use of Systems
Moore explores how Gaddis portrayed and critiqued various systems, such as capitalism, the legal system, and education, and their corruptive influences.
Gaddis' Influence on Contemporary Writers
Moore highlights Gaddis' influence on and admiration from contemporary writers, as well as the ongoing interest and appreciation for his work.
Steven Moore is an American author and literary critic. Best known as the primary authority on the novelist William Gaddis, he is the author of the two-volume study The Novel: An Alternative History. In this episode we discuss the work of William Gaddis.
Moore's website: https://www.stevenmoore.info/