Amerykański autor, Cormac McCarthy, jest uważany za jednego z największych pisarzy współczesnych z wielu względów, między innymi z powodu unikalnego stylu, głębokiej tematyki i mistrzostwa w tworzeniu atmosfery. Hubert Szumski z klasy 4a napisał artykuł, w którym dzieli się swoimi refleksami na temat twórczości McCarthyego – tekst można przeczytać w jesiennym numerze naszego anglojęzycznego periodyku AimHigh – zapraszamy do lektury!
The Disturbing And Philosophic World
of Cormac McCarthy
Cormac McCarthy is an important figure in modern American literature, known for his distinctive prose style, harsh themes, and profound exploration of the human condition. Born on July 20, 1933, in Providence, Rhode Island, McCarthy has produced a myriad of works that span over six decades and comprise novels, plays, and screenplays. His writing often draws on Southern Gothic elements, philosophical inquiries, and a fascination with violence, all underscored by a deep engagement with themes of morality, existence, and the true nature of humanity.
McCarthy’s early works, including „The Orchard Keeper” ( Published in 1965) and „Outer Dark” (Published in1968), are set in the rural American South and showcase his early exploration of isolation, survival, and the human relationship with nature. „The Orchard Keeper,” his debut novel, focuses on the complex lives of characters operating in the shadows of a violent world presented in the novel, while „Outer Dark” follows a woman who is abandoned by her brother after giving birth to his child, reflecting themes of alienation and the consequences of moral choices that the characters presented in the book need to make.
Perhaps Cormac McCarthy’s most famous and critically acclaimed work is „Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West” ( Published in 1985). This novel is often recognised as one of the greatest American novels of the 20th century. It tells a brutal tale of a teenage runaway known as „the Kid” who joins a scalp-hunting expedition led by the terrifying and philosophical figure, Judge Holden and his accomplice John Joel Glanton. The novel’s graphic depictions of violence, existential philosophy, and the brutal realities of the American West have made it a subject of intense academic analysis and debate.
One of McCarthy’s other works that gained recognition as one of his greatest is the Border Trilogy, consisting of „All the Pretty Horses” (published in 1992), „The Crossing” (published in 1994), and „Cities of the Plain” ( published in1998), marks a pivotal moment in his career. „All the Pretty Horses” won the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award, and it introduces readers to John Grady Cole, a young cowboy who travels from Texas to Mexico in search of love and a way of life that is rapidly disappearing. The trilogy is notable for its exploration of identity, deep sense of place and one’s looking for their true self as it navigates the cultural and geographical landscapes of the American Southwest.
In „No Country for Old Men” ( published in 2005), McCarthy tells a tale of moral decay and the unavoidable passage of time, centred around a drug deal gone wrong and the subsequent cat-and-mouse chase involving a relentless hitman Anton Chigur, Llewellyn Moss, and Sheriff Bell. The novel explores themes of fate, violence, and the changing nature of society, and it was later adapted into an award-winning film by the Coen brothers with a cast of famous movie stars such as Javier Bardem, Tomy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin or Woody Harrelson.
In his later book „The Road” ( published in 2006), McCarthy offers a grizzly and bloodcurdling portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world. The narrative follows a father and son on their journey through a devastated landscape, struggling to survive in the remnants of civilization. The relationship between the father and son serves as an anchor in a world stripped of humanity and hope. „The Road” was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2007 and is renowned for its sparse, poetic language that reflects the hopelessness of its setting while conveying deep emotional signals, later it was adapted into a award-winning film by John Hillcoat with Lord of The ring’s Viggo Mortensen in the main role of the father.
McCarthy’s writing is characterized by its minimal punctuation, vivid imagery, and philosophical depth, he often uses traditional narrative techniques, creating a style that demands engagement and reflection from the reader. His works frequently grapple with the duality of existence, the nature of evil, and the complexities of human relationships and emotions that accompany them through their journey.
Cormac McCarthy’s literary prowess and greatness stand as a testament to the power of literature to confront and illuminate the darker aspects of the human experience. With a unique voice that blends lyrical beauty and brutal honesty, he has influenced countless writers and earned a place in the pantheon of American literature. His exploration of themes such as violence, morality, isolation, and the search for meaning continues to resonate with readers, ensuring his legacy as one of the most significant literary figures of our time.
Hubert Szumski 4a
