The article "Who's Afraid of Tom Wolfe?" explores the mixed critical reception of Tom Wolfe's fiction, particularly focusing on A Man in Full. While acknowledging Wolfe's journalistic talent and cultural influence, the author dissects the criticisms leveled against his novels: simplistic prose, cartoonish characters, and sprawling, unwieldy plots. The piece ultimately suggests that the negative reactions stem from a discomfort with Wolfe's satirical portrayal of societal elites and his embrace of realism, which challenges prevailing literary trends favoring minimalism and postmodernism. Wolfe's ambition and popularity, the article implies, threaten the established literary guard, leading to a dismissive attitude toward his work despite its insightful social commentary.
John McPhee's "The Pinball Philosophy" explores the world of competitive pinball through the lens of Roger Sharpe, a top-ranked player in 1970s New York City. The piece delves into the intense focus, strategy, and almost mystical approach Sharpe takes to the game, highlighting the nuanced skills involved beyond mere luck. It contrasts his zen-like calm and calculated nudges with the frenetic energy of pinball parlors, ultimately portraying pinball not as a mindless pastime, but as a demanding game of skill requiring precision, anticipation, and a deep understanding of the machine's mechanics. Sharpe's pursuit of mastery reveals a unique subculture where dedicated players strive for perfect games and fleeting moments of control in a world of chaos and flashing lights.
HN users largely enjoyed McPhee's writing style, praising its evocative descriptions and engaging narrative. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes about pinball, reflecting on its enduring appeal and the unique focus it demands. Some discussed the cultural and historical context of pinball, including its past association with gambling and its resurgence as a hobby. A few users expressed interest in the technical aspects of pinball machine design and operation. The overall sentiment was positive, with many commenters appreciating the rediscovery of this older article. A couple noted the philosophical connections McPhee makes, linking pinball to broader life lessons about skill, chance, and persistence.
Summary of Comments ( 10 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43258010
HN commenters largely agree that Wolfe's decline in quality began after A Man in Full, with some attributing it to his reliance on formulaic social satire and others to his adoption of a more conservative viewpoint. Several suggest that his earlier works like The Right Stuff and The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test remain classics of New Journalism, praising Wolfe's immersive reporting and energetic prose. Some counter that Wolfe's work was always shallow, stylistic flourish over substance, and enjoyed more popularity than deserved. A few commenters discuss his influence on other writers and the legacy of New Journalism more broadly. One highly upvoted comment notes the irony of Wolfe, who mocked academia, now being the subject of academic analysis.
The Hacker News post titled "Who's Afraid of Tom Wolfe?" generated several comments discussing Tom Wolfe's literary impact, his perceived decline in later works, and his stylistic choices. Several commenters engage with the linked article's premise and offer their own perspectives.
One of the most compelling threads begins with a commenter who argues that Wolfe's later works became increasingly polemical and predictable, suggesting that his focus shifted from astute observation to pushing a specific agenda. This sparked a discussion about whether this shift was a genuine decline or simply a different phase in Wolfe's career, with some arguing that even his later works contained valuable insights.
Another interesting exchange focuses on Wolfe's distinctive style. While some praised his innovative use of punctuation and onomatopoeia, others found it distracting and gimmicky, arguing that it detracted from the substance of his writing. This led to a broader conversation about the role of style in literature and whether it should be prioritized over content.
Several comments directly addressed the article's assertion about Wolfe's depiction of contemporary literary figures. Some agreed with the article's assessment, while others offered alternative interpretations, arguing that Wolfe's portrayal was more nuanced than the article suggested.
Some commenters offered personal anecdotes about their experiences reading Wolfe, sharing which books resonated with them and how their perceptions of his work changed over time. One commenter expressed a renewed interest in revisiting Wolfe's work after reading the discussion, highlighting the power of online forums to spark literary rediscovery.
A few comments touched upon Wolfe's influence on other writers, with some suggesting that his impact on New Journalism and contemporary fiction is often underestimated.
Overall, the comments section offers a mixed bag of opinions on Tom Wolfe's legacy, reflecting the complex and often contradictory nature of his work. While some express admiration for his innovative style and sharp social commentary, others criticize his later works and question his lasting influence. The discussion provides a valuable platform for exploring different perspectives on Wolfe's place in the literary canon.