john dos passos from scott naumann
TRANSCRIPT
Born in a hotel in Chicago. Referred to himself as a “hotel
child” His parents where
Portuguese and unmarried. Father was successful
corporate lawyer. John lived with his mother.
Often traveled to Europe with his mother. During his youth he felt isolated and
bewildered by society. Attended Choate preparatory school in
Wallingford, Connecticut. Classmates called John “Frenchy” and “Four
Eyes” because of he had a French accent and wore glasses.
John attended Harvard (Graduated 1916) During college his mother passed away He had ambitions for being an architect Harvard Monthly
wrote numerous articles and reviews began his first novel
His 1916 essay, “A Humble Protest,” foretold his vision and ambitions which would inspire his work over the next 20 years.
Set off for Europe Began studying in Spain Became ambulance driver for WWI
Kept journals during the war Which led to his first two published novels
Mans Initiation (1920) Three Soldiers (1921)
Trilogy published in 1938 The 42nd Parallel 1919 The Big Money
Angry writing but very powerful Wrote about the corruption of society Will always be remembered because of this
writing.