Kenneth Fearing’s Inter-War Social Capital Network

Biographers have portrayed Kenneth Fearing as a cynical, reclusive writer defined by political ambiguity and personal struggles. This article challenges that narrative, emphasizing a vibrant social network as the driving force behind his literary identity. Rather than a committed ideologue, Fearing...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Wayne E. Arnold
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: European Association for American Studies 2025-06-01
Series:European Journal of American Studies
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Online Access:https://journals.openedition.org/ejas/23735
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Summary:Biographers have portrayed Kenneth Fearing as a cynical, reclusive writer defined by political ambiguity and personal struggles. This article challenges that narrative, emphasizing a vibrant social network as the driving force behind his literary identity. Rather than a committed ideologue, Fearing was a well-liked figure whose friendship was sought after by a wide range of individuals. Connections to leftist literary social circles opened doors for publication, yet creative expression remained the central focus more than political engagement. This study presents a more nuanced, dynamic image by reconstructing his social capital network. Far from an isolated pessimist, Fearing was an engaged, connected writer embedded in New York’s modernist scene.
ISSN:1991-9336