Richard Chase The American Novel And Its Tradition
Introduction
Richard Chase was an American literary critic, best known for his works on the American novel and its tradition. He was well-respected in the field of literary criticism and his works are still studied and referenced today. In this article, we will explore Richard Chase's life, his contributions to the field of literary criticism, and his thoughts on the American novel and its tradition.
Early Life and Education
Richard Chase was born in 1914 in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Harvard University, where he received his BA, MA, and PhD in English. While at Harvard, Chase studied under some of the most prominent literary critics of his time, including F. O. Matthiessen and T. S. Eliot.
Career
After completing his PhD, Chase began his career as a professor of English at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He later went on to teach at Columbia University and Stanford University, where he was the chair of the English department.
Contributions to Literary Criticism
Richard Chase's most significant contribution to the field of literary criticism was his book, "The American Novel and Its Tradition," which was first published in 1957. In this book, Chase argues that the American novel is unique in its focus on individualism and the search for identity. He also suggests that the American novel is heavily influenced by the literary traditions of Europe, particularly the British novel.
Themes in "The American Novel and Its Tradition"
One of the central themes in "The American Novel and Its Tradition" is the idea of the American Dream. Chase argues that the American Dream is a recurring theme in American literature and that it represents the idea of the individual pursuing success and happiness through hard work and determination.
Another theme that Chase explores in his book is the concept of the hero. He suggests that the hero in American literature is often portrayed as an individual who is struggling against a society that is trying to hold him back. Chase also suggests that the hero in American literature is often flawed and imperfect, which makes him more relatable to readers.
Legacy
Richard Chase's contributions to the field of literary criticism are still studied and referenced today. "The American Novel and Its Tradition" is considered a classic work of literary criticism and is still widely read by scholars and students of literature. Chase's ideas on the American novel and its tradition have influenced countless other works of literary criticism and have helped to shape the way that we think about American literature.
Conclusion
Richard Chase was an important figure in the field of literary criticism and his contributions to the study of the American novel and its tradition are still relevant today. His ideas on the American Dream, the hero, and the influence of European literary traditions on American literature have helped to shape the way that we think about American literature. Richard Chase will always be remembered as one of the great literary critics of the 20th century.