This article will cover the summary of the novel Look Homeward Angel which has been penned by Thomas Wolfe. I hope that you will enjoy reading it.
What Is Look Homeward Angel About?
“Look Homeward, Angel” is a novel about the coming-of-age of Eugene Gant, a young man growing up in the early 20th century in the fictional town of Altamont, North Carolina. The novel follows Eugene’s journey from his childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world.
The novel focuses on Eugene’s relationship with his family, particularly his difficult relationship with his mother, Eliza, and his alcoholic father, W.O. Gant. Eugene is torn between his mother’s desire for him to become a successful businessman and his father’s encouragement to pursue his passion for writing.
“Look Homeward, Angel” is considered a classic of American literature and is known for its lyrical prose and vivid descriptions. It is a novel about the struggles and growth of a young man trying to find his place in the world.
Summary Of Look Homeward Angel
“Look Homeward, Angel” is a novel by American author Thomas Wolfe, published in 1929. The novel follows the life of Eugene Gant, a young man growing up in the fictional town of Altamont, North Carolina, in the early 20th century.
The story begins with Eugene’s childhood and his difficult relationship with his mother, Eliza, and his father, W.O. Gant, who is an alcoholic and a stonecutter. Eugene’s mother is a domineering figure who wants him to become a successful businessman, while his father encourages him to pursue his passion for writing.
As Eugene grows up, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with his family and his hometown. He feels trapped and longs to escape to a larger world. Eventually, he leaves Altamont to attend college in the North, where he begins to discover his identity as a writer.
Throughout the novel, Wolfe explores themes of family, identity, and the search for meaning in life. He also vividly depicts the landscape and culture of the American South in the early 20th century.
“Look Homeward, Angel” is considered a classic of American literature and is known for its lyrical prose and vivid descriptions. It is often cited as an example of the “coming-of-age” genre, as it chronicles Eugene’s journey from childhood to adulthood and his struggle to find his place in the world.
Look Homeward Angel Synopsis
“Look Homeward, Angel” is a novel by Thomas Wolfe that follows the life of Eugene Gant, a young man growing up in the fictional town of Altamont, North Carolina, in the early 20th century.
The novel begins with Eugene’s childhood, where he has a difficult relationship with his mother, Eliza, and his father, W.O. Gant, an alcoholic and stonecutter. Eugene’s mother wants him to become a successful businessman, while his father encourages him to pursue his passion for writing.
As Eugene grows up, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with his family and his hometown. He longs to escape to a larger world and eventually leaves Altamont to attend college in the North, where he begins to discover his identity as a writer.
Throughout the novel, Wolfe explores themes of family, identity, and the search for meaning in life. He also vividly depicts the landscape and culture of the American South in the early 20th century.
The novel follows Eugene’s journey from childhood to adulthood, as he struggles to find his place in the world. He must navigate his complicated relationships with his family members and grapple with the challenges of growing up and discovering his own identity.
Look Homeward Angel Analysis
“Look Homeward, Angel” is a complex novel that explores many themes and ideas. One of the central themes of the novel is the struggle for identity, as Eugene Gant grapples with the conflicting expectations of his parents and his own desire to become a writer. This struggle is mirrored in his relationships with other characters, particularly his family members, who each represent different aspects of his identity.
Another important theme in the novel is the tension between tradition and change, as Eugene must navigate his place in a rapidly changing world while also confronting the legacies of his family and his Southern heritage. Wolfe explores these ideas through vivid descriptions of the landscape and culture of the American South, creating a rich and immersive world that captures the complexities of life in this region.
The novel also touches on issues of class and social mobility, as Eugene’s desire to escape his hometown and pursue a career as a writer puts him at odds with his family’s expectations of him. This tension is particularly evident in his relationships with his mother and his wealthy benefactor, who each have different ideas about what he should do with his life.
Wolfe’s writing style is another key aspect of the novel’s appeal. He employs a lyrical, stream-of-consciousness style that captures the thoughts and emotions of his characters in vivid detail. This style can be challenging at times, but it also adds depth and richness to the novel, making it a rewarding read for those who are willing to engage with its complex themes and ideas.
Overall, “Look Homeward, Angel” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of family, identity, tradition, and change. It’s vivid descriptions and lyrical writing style make it a classic of American literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
Final Words
I hope that you liked my version of Thomas Wolfe Look Homeward Angel summary. You can also check my other articles on Never Never Colleen Hoover Summary, Leslie Marmon Silko’s Ceremony Summary, and The Extraordinary Life Of Sam Hell Summary