Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe

Name: Look Homeward, Angel
Author: Thomas Wolfe

The narrative follows the life of a boy named Oliver Gant, the second son of an English immigrant, Gilbert Gant, who settles in Pennsylvania. The story begins with Gilbert's reckless lifestyle, which leads to his untimely death, leaving behind a family burdened with debt. Oliver inherits his father's restless spirit and a longing for adventure. As a child, he witnesses the march of soldiers during the Civil War, which ignites his desire for a life beyond the confines of his family's farm. Oliver becomes an apprentice stonecutter, but despite his aspirations, he struggles to find fulfillment in his work. His life is marked by a series of failures, including a failed marriage to a woman named Cynthia, whose death leaves him further adrift. He embarks on a journey across the Reconstruction South, seeking solace in the isolation of the mountains, where he hopes to escape his past and find a new beginning. In the town of Altamont, Oliver attempts to establish a new life, opening a marble shop. He marries Eliza Pentland, a strong-willed woman from a prominent local family. Their marriage is tumultuous, characterized by Oliver's alcoholism and Eliza's relentless pursuit of financial stability. As they raise their children, the couple's conflicting values create tension in their household. Eliza's ambition drives her to acquire property, while Oliver's disdain for materialism leads to frequent clashes. The narrative explores themes of ambition, identity, and the struggle for self-fulfillment against the backdrop of societal expectations. Oliver's children, particularly his son Eugene, grapple with their father's legacy and the weight of familial expectations. Eugene's journey reflects the complexities of growing up in a household marked by conflict and the search for personal meaning. As the story unfolds, Oliver's life spirals into chaos due to his drinking and inability to adapt to the changing world around him. The family's struggles culminate in tragedy, as they confront loss and the harsh realities of life. Ultimately, the narrative paints a poignant portrait of a family caught in the throes of ambition, love, and the relentless passage of time, leaving a lasting impact on each member's identity and aspirations.

By Thomas Wolfe · First published 1929 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Modernist · 40 chapters · 270,735 words

First lines

A destiny that leads the English to the Dutch is strange enough; but one that leads from Epsom into Pennsylvania, and thence into the hills that shut in Altamont over the proud coral cry of the cock, and the soft stone smile of an angel, is touched by that dark miracle of chance which makes new magic in a dusty world.

Each of us is all the sums he has not counted: subtract us into nakedness and night again, and you shall see begin in Crete four thousand years ago the love that ended yesterday in Texas.

What this Textopian page supports

Look Homeward, Angel is listed on Textopian as a novel by Thomas Wolfe, dated 1929 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Thomas Wolfe
Date: 1929 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Modernist, Southern Gothic, Autobiographical Fiction
Length: 270,735 words
Structure: 40 chapters, 5,312 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The novel is characterized by its deep exploration of character and theme, focusing on the complexities of human experience.
Coming-of-Age — The protagonist's journey from youth to adulthood is central to the narrative, highlighting personal growth and self-discovery.
Modernist — The writing style employs stream-of-consciousness and rich imagery, typical of modernist literature.
Southern Gothic — The setting and themes reflect the complexities and struggles of Southern life, often with a focus on family and social issues.