The World According to Garp

Style and Technique

The World According to Garp is a novel by John Irving that combines elements of tragedy and comedy while exploring deep and complex aspects of human life such as love, death, sexuality, family, and identity. Irving uses his distinctive prose to create a vivid and memorable world populated by unusual and deeply developed characters. The narrative is told from a third-person perspective, allowing the author to effectively explore the inner world of the main character, T.S. Garp, as well as other key characters. The structure of the novel is nonlinear, with the narrative interwoven with Garp's own works, including stories and fragments of his novels, adding metafictional elements and reflections on the nature of art and storytelling. Irving also actively uses symbolism and motifs, such as bears, wrestling, and accidents, to underscore the main themes and character evolution. Through a masterful blend of humor and tragedy, Irving highlights the absurdity and beauty of human existence.