James Thurber
What comes to mind when humor is mentioned? The first thoughts are often of laughter, jokes, and television sitcoms, but probably not from the likes of Mark Twain and James Thurber. Often praised as the greatest American humorist since Mark Twain, James Thurber found a way to make serious statements about human nature and society through his many essays and books. Even though Thurber's experiences, influences, and feelings are unique, his writings have found a place in history.James Thurber was born on December 8, 1894, in Columbus, Ohio ("J. Thurber"). At the age of six, he was shot in the left eye with an arrow while playing a game of William Tell with his brother (Morsberger, "J.T." 602). As a result of this injury, he became blind in one eye, and the blindness made Thurber feel inadequate at sports (602). As a result he became an observer and was driven into a fantasy world, making him appear shy, withdrawn, and lonely (602, 605). All throughout grade school he was the teacher's pet, which did not make him popular among his classmates (605). Despite his seclusion throughout grade school, Thurber eventually overcame his social isolation and was president of his senior class (606).
The Clocks of Columbus: The Literary Career of James Thurber. When asked what Kelby did to receive this treatment he replies, " '. Blindness increased Thurber's hot-temper! and nervousness (602). Thurber wrote and directed his first play Psy!chomania in 1923 for The Strollers, the college dramatic society (33). As another title suggests, Men, Women and D!ogs, published in 1943, dogs are important in Thurber's works ("J. The moral to this story is "The paths of glory at least lead to the Grave, but the paths of duty, alas, may get you Nowhere" (120). In his first year at Ohio State University in 1913, Thurber was academically successful, but socially inactive (Holmes 22).
Common topics in this essay:
Morsberger JT,
Thurber Thurber,
Owl Attic,
Willber Kelby,
Interview Lemming,
James Thurber,
LittD Ohio,
Walter Mitty,
Owl God,
Scotty Thurber's,
morsberger jt,
james thurber,
teacher's pet,
jt 610,
human nature,
morsberger jt 606,
jt 606,
wife holmes,
morsberger jt 610,
academic freedom,
morsberger jt 602,
fantasy world,
jt 602,
rabbits caused trouble,
throughout grade school,
|