The World According to Garp: Exploring the Quirky and Compelling Universe of John Irving’s Classic Novel

“The World According to Garp” is a thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of life through the eyes of its protagonist, T.S. Garp.

Meet the main character of “The World According to Garp” and discover his story

Introducing T.S. Garp

T.S. Garp, also known as just Garp, is the protagonist of John Irving’s novel “The World According to Garp.” He is a writer and a father who has gone through many ups and downs in his life. The novel follows his journey from childhood to adulthood as he navigates various relationships and experiences.

This Post: The World According to Garp: Exploring the Quirky and Compelling Universe of John Irving’s Classic Novel

Garp’s Childhood

Garp was born to Jenny Fields, a feminist icon who did not want a husband or traditional family. She raised him on her own, teaching him about gender equality and independence. As a child, Garp experienced some traumatic events such as witnessing the death of his best friend and being sexually assaulted by another boy. These events shaped his views on life and influenced his writing.

Garp’s Writing Career

Garp started out as an aspiring writer but struggled with rejection and self-doubt. However, he eventually found success with his book “The World According to Bensenhaver,” which became a bestseller. He continued to write throughout his life, exploring various themes such as love, loss, mortality, and feminism.

List of notable works by Garp:

• The World According to Bensenhaver
• The Pension Grillparzer
• A Son of the Circus
• The Fourth Hand
• Last Night in Twisted River

Garp’s Relationships

Throughout the novel, Garp has several important relationships that shape his life. He falls in love with Helen Holm but their relationship is complicated by her desire for children and his fear of passing on the trauma from his childhood. He also has a close friendship with Roberta Muldoon, a transgender woman who becomes his assistant and muse. They share a deep bond based on their shared experiences of discrimination and marginalization.

List of notable relationships in Garp’s life:

• Jenny Fields (mother)
• Helen Holm (wife)
• Duncan Garp (son)
• Roberta Muldoon (friend/assistant)

Jenny Fields: Challenging traditional gender roles in “The World According to Garp”

Who is Jenny Fields?

Jenny Fields is the mother of T.S. Garp and an important character in John Irving’s novel “The World According to Garp.” She is a feminist icon who challenges traditional gender roles and expectations. Her beliefs and actions have a significant impact on Garp’s life and writing.

Jenny’s Feminist Beliefs

Jenny believes that women should not be defined by their relationships with men or their ability to bear children. She rejects marriage, motherhood, and any other traditional female roles. Instead, she focuses on her own intellectual pursuits and desires, such as becoming a nurse. She even writes a book called “A Sexual Suspect,” which argues that women can live fulfilling lives without men.

Jenny’s Impact on Garp

Jenny’s unconventional parenting style has a profound effect on Garp’s development. He grows up believing in gender equality and independence, which shapes his views on relationships and society. However, he also struggles with the trauma of not having a father figure or siblings, as well as the pressure to live up to his mother’s expectations.

Jenny’s Legacy

Despite her death early in the novel, Jenny continues to influence Garp’s life and writing. He dedicates his first book to her and often reflects on her teachings and beliefs. Jenny’s legacy also inspires other characters in the novel, such as Roberta Muldoon who sees her as a role model for transgender rights.

The impact of the feminist movement on “The World According to Garp”

The Feminist Movement in the 1970s

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“The World According to Garp” was published in 1978, during the height of the feminist movement in the United States. This social and political movement aimed to achieve gender equality by challenging traditional gender roles and expectations. It had a significant impact on society and culture, including literature.

Feminism in “The World According to Garp”

John Irving’s novel explores various themes related to feminism, such as gender equality, reproductive rights, sexual liberation, and female empowerment. The character of Jenny Fields embodies these ideals through her rejection of traditional female roles and her pursuit of intellectual and professional fulfillment.

Reception of “The World According to Garp”

The novel was both praised and criticized for its feminist themes. Some readers appreciated its portrayal of strong female characters and progressive ideas, while others felt that it was too radical or unrealistic. However, “The World According to Garp” remains an important work in feminist literature due to its exploration of gender issues.

List of other notable works in feminist literature:

• The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir
• The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan
• The Color Purple by Alice Walker
• The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
• Becoming by Michelle Obama

From struggling writer to success: The evolution of Garp’s writing career

Garp’s Early Writing Career

Garp begins his writing career as an aspiring author, but he faces rejection and self-doubt. He writes several unsuccessful novels before finding success with “The World According to Bensenhaver,” which becomes a bestseller. This novel is based on his experiences working at a boys’ school and explores themes of sexual violence and toxic masculinity.

Garp’s Later Works

After the success of “The World According to Bensenhaver,” Garp continues to write and publish books throughout his life. His later works explore various themes such as love, loss, mortality, and feminism. Some of his notable works include “The Pension Grillparzer,” “A Son of the Circus,” and “Last Night in Twisted River.”

List of notable works by Garp:

• The World According to Bensenhaver
• The Pension Grillparzer
• A Son of the Circus
• The Fourth Hand
• Last Night in Twisted River

Garp’s Writing Style

Garp’s writing style is often described as darkly comedic and satirical. He uses humor to explore serious topics such as trauma, violence, and social issues. His characters are often flawed but relatable, reflecting the complexities of human nature.

Garp’s Legacy

Despite some criticism from literary critics, Garp’s books have a lasting impact on readers and society. They challenge traditional ideas about gender roles, sexuality, and morality while also providing insight into human relationships and emotions. Garp remains an important figure in American literature due to his unique voice and perspective.

Exploring themes of love, loss, and mortality in “The World According to Garp”

Love in “The World According to Garp”

Love is a central theme in John Irving’s novel, as it shapes many of the characters’ relationships and experiences. Garp loves his mother, Jenny Fields, deeply but also struggles with her unconventional parenting style. He falls in love with Helen Holm but their relationship is complicated by her desire for children and his fear of passing on the trauma from his childhood.

List of notable relationships in the novel:

• Jenny Fields (mother)
• Helen Holm (wife)
• Duncan Garp (son)
• Roberta Muldoon (friend/assistant)

Loss and Trauma in “The World According to Garp”

Loss and trauma are recurring themes in the novel, as many of the characters experience tragedy or struggle with past events. Garp witnesses the death of his best friend as a child and is sexually assaulted by another boy. These events shape his views on life and influence his writing. Other characters also face loss, such as Helen who suffers multiple miscarriages.

List of notable traumatic events in the novel:

• Garp’s witnessing of Walt’s death
• Garp’s sexual assault by Michael Milton
• Helen’s miscarriages
• Bonnie Graves’ murder/suicide

Mortality in “The World According to Garp”

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Mortality is another major theme in the novel, as many characters confront their own mortality or that of loved ones. Garp fears that he will pass on the trauma from his childhood to his son Duncan, while Jenny faces her own mortality due to cancer. The novel explores how people cope with death and the legacy they leave behind.

List of notable deaths in the novel:

• Walt’s death
• Bonnie Graves’ murder/suicide
• Robert Mulligan’s death
• Jenny Fields’ death

In conclusion, “The World According to Garp” is a thought-provoking and poignant novel that explores the complexities of life, love, and loss through the eyes of its eccentric protagonist.

FAQ

What is the message of The World According to Garp?

The novel “The World According to Garp” has various storylines, such as the challenges faced by artists and their conflicting feelings about the value of their work. It also explores the breaking down of traditional gender roles in families, issues of infidelity, sexual violence, and mortality.

Is The World According to Garp Based on a true story?

Despite Irving’s denial that The World According to Garp is autobiographical, there are numerous similarities between the author and the protagonist. Both Irving and Garp share the experience of never meeting their biological fathers.

How old was Robin Williams in World According to Garp?

In the movie, Garp’s character is portrayed by Robin Williams, who was 30 years old at the time, even though Garp starts at the age of 15. Meanwhile, Glenn Close, who is only four years older than Williams, plays the role of his mother. This casting practice is known as Dawson Casting.

Who killed Garp in The World According to Garp?

Despite experiencing multiple accidents, undergoing significant personal development, and achieving great literary success, Garp ultimately meets his demise at the hands of Pooh Percy.

Is The World According to Garp feminist?

Irving’s novels, The World According to Garp and The Hotel New Hampshire, explore the feminist theme. The former features a diverse cast of feminist characters who represent various perspectives on gender equality. These novels are known for their exploration of feminist themes.

What is Garp fear?

The main character in the book “The World According to Garp” is named Garp, and he is deeply worried about the safety of his children. He imagines a dangerous creature called the “Under Toad” that is always lurking around.

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