Net worth | $200k (around $5 million in 2023) |
---|---|
Full Name | Thomas Clayton Wolfe |
Birthdate | October 3, 1900, |
Birthplace | Asheville, North Carolina, United States |
Deathdate | September 15, 1938 |
Death place | Baltimore, Maryland, United States |
Nationality | American |
Religion | Christianity |
Zodiac sign | Libra |
Ethnicity | German-American |
Occupation | Novelist, playwright, short story writer |
Notable works | Of Time and the River, Look Homeward, Angel, and The Web |
Literary movement | Modernism |
Introduction
Tom Wolfe, a literary maverick of the mid-20th century, was far from your typical novelist. In an era dominated by conventional prose, he stood out like a peacock in a sea of sparrows. With his flamboyant style, signature white suits, and razor-sharp wit, Wolfe was as much a character in the literary world as the unforgettable ones he created on paper.
Wolfe’s writing was a colorful tapestry that captured the essence of American society, often doused in satire and a healthy dose of irreverence. He didn’t just write novels; he dissected and vivisected the cultural phenomena of his time, laying bare the absurdities and contradictions of modern life. His words were a cocktail of journalism and storytelling, shaken and stirred to perfection.
As we embark on a journey through the life and works of Tom Wolfe, prepare to be transported to a world where the boundaries between fact and fiction blur, and where the mundane becomes extraordinary under his pen.
Early Life and Education
In the misty mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina, a literary giant was born—Thomas Wolfe, the youngest of eight siblings in the bustling household of William Oliver Wolfe and Julia Elizabeth Westall. His father, a skilled stone carver, etched his mark on the world with gravestones, using an angelic allure to beckon customers into his business. Little did they know that this celestial figure would become a prominent motif in Wolfe’s writings, immortalized in both a short story and his magnum opus, “Look Homeward, Angel.”
Julia, Wolfe’s enterprising mother, was a real estate maven who took in boarders and ventured into the hospitality realm during the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Tragedy struck their family when Wolfe’s 12-year-old brother, Grover, succumbed to typhoid fever during their time in Missouri.
Returning to Asheville in 1906, Julia purchased a boarding house named “Old Kentucky Home” at 48 Spruce Street. Here, young Thomas grew up, closely bonded with his brother Ben, whose premature death would later shape the narrative of “Look Homeward, Angel.” Julia’s savvy investments in real estate paved the way for the family’s prosperity.
A precocious talent, Wolfe’s academic journey began early at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill when he was just 15. He was a member of various societies, including the Dialectic Society and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, and harbored dreams of becoming a playwright. His early works found their stage at UNC’s Carolina Playmakers, earning him recognition among his peers.
After graduating in 1920, Wolfe embarked on a journey to Harvard University to hone his playwriting skills under the tutelage of George Pierce Baker. His dedication bore fruit with the production of “The Mountains” and “Welcome to Our City” by Baker’s 47 Workshop.
New York City beckoned, and Wolfe ventured there in 1923, attempting to secure funds for UNC and peddle his plays to Broadway. This bustling city would become a significant chapter in his life, as he took on the role of an English instructor at New York University in 1924, setting the stage for his multifaceted career as a writer, playwright, and educator. Thomas Wolfe’s early years were a rich tapestry of family, ambition, and creative fervor, laying the foundation for his indelible literary legacy.
Career and Work
Career and Work |
Look Homeward, Angel |
Of Time and the River |
The Web and the Rock |
You Can’t Go Home Again |
The Hills Beyond |
The Hound of Darkness |
The Good Child’s River |
The Starwick Episodes |
O Lost: A Story of the Buried Life |
A Portrait of Bascom Hawke |
The Web of Earth |
No Door |
Boom Town |
From Death to Morning |
I Have a Thing to Tell You |
The Lost Boy |
The Party at Jack’s |
Short Novels of Thomas Wolfe |
Mannerhouse |
The Mountains |
Welcome to Our City |
The Train and the City |
Chickamauga |
The Child by Tiger |
The Collected Stories of Thomas Wolfe |
The Story of a Novel |
A Western Journal |
The Letters of Thomas Wolfe |
Beyond Love and Loyalty |
My Other Loneliness |
To Loot My Life Clean |
God’s Lonely Man |
A Stone, a Leaf, a Door |
Net Worth
Year | Net Worth |
1936 | $200k (around $5 million in 2023) |
Family and Relationship
Relation | Info |
Father | William Oliver Wolfe |
Mother | Julia Elizabeth Westall |
Siblings | Seven siblings |
Spouse | N/A |
Children | N/A |
Achievements and Awards
Achievements and Awards |
National Book Award for Fiction |
O. Henry Award |
American Library Association Notable Books for Adults |
Pulitzer Prize for Biography |
Quick Facts
- Thomas was known for his eccentric personality and his flamboyant dress sense.
- His novels are known for their autobiographical content, their lyrical prose, and their epic scope.
- He died of tuberculosis in 1938 at the age of 37.
- He is considered one of the most important writers of the 20th century in America.
- He moved to New York City in 1923 and taught English at New York University.
FAQs
Q: What is Thomas Wolfe best known for?
A: He is best known for his autobiographical novels, which are known for their lyrical prose, their epic scope, and their exploration of themes such as identity, memory, and the American dream.
Q: What was Thomas Wolfe’s writing style?
A: His writing style is characterized by its lyrical prose, its use of long sentences, and its detailed descriptions. He was a master of language, and his writing is both beautiful and evocative.
Q: What are Thomas Wolfe’s major themes?
A: His major themes include identity, memory, the American dream, and the search for meaning in life. His writing explores the challenges of growing up, the importance of family and community, and the power of the past.
Q: What is Thomas Wolfe’s influence on American literature?
A: He is considered one of the most important writers of the 20th century in America. His work has influenced generations of writers, including Jack Kerouac, Ray Bradbury, and Philip Roth.