Norman Mailer Flashcards
What were Mailer’s occupations?
Author and journalist
When was Mailer born?
1923
Which decade did Mailer discuss?
1970s
Where was Mailer’s background?
Jewish heritage and fought in South-East Asia during WW2
What type of lit did Mailer write?
prose, essays and novels
What did Mailer innovate?
non-fiction novel style (new-journalism)
What are 2 books Mailer wrote?
“The White Negro” and “Prisoner of Sex”
What is “The White Negro” about?
“The White Negro” is about how after the economic boom of the 1920s and the Vietnam War, the rising youth of America was affected by boredom because of their comfort in wealth and also affected by existentialism because of the war. Both of these combined made them more radical in their opinions. This is the case in his main example, hipsters, who allegedly were embracing black culture insanely. Hence the name, “The White Negro”.
What did Mailer stand for?
Anti-censorship. He often compared America to a dictatorship because of its censorship.
What is “The Prisoner of Sex” about?
“The Prisoner of Sex” is about how female liberation is oppressing men.
Which movement did Mailer offend?
The Women’s Movement
What did Mailer politically identify as?
A left-wing conservative
