Why Doesn’t John Updike have a Nobel Prize Yet?
Can someone explain to me why John Updike doesn’t have the Nobel Prize yet? I just got around to reading Bech: A Book, and was once again transfixed by Updike’s command of the English language. There may well be authors in other languages who deserve the Nobel in Literature more than he does, but I can’t think of one still alive and writing in English.
The man’s pushing 80. He may not have that many years left. Can’t we get him one before it’s too late? Surely if Nobels can go to Saul Bellow and Toni Morrison, there’s room for an Updike?
April 20th, 2008 at 1:31 AM
Some of Updike’s own comments on the question:
“Some Greek leader was once asked why there was no statue to him in the town square. He replied that he would rather people ask why there isn’t one than why there is one.”
“It would be wonderful to win [the Nobel Prize], the odds are pretty slim. I’m getting too old for it at 73. Usually it goes to people in their 60s, though I was happy to see Pinter win, given he’s two years older than I am. So hope springs eternal.”
“If I thought as hard about writing as I do about golf, I might be a better writer — maybe win the Nobel Prize. It would not be Coetzee going up there in his rented white-tie outfit.”
“I would not mind seeing Shoeless Joe Jackson get the Nobel Prize.”
It’s also been pointed out that Toni Morrison is the only native-born American with a Nobel for Literature.
Well, at least Bech got it in 1999.
April 20th, 2008 at 5:41 PM
When I was an undergraduate, in the 70’s, I was an English major for a while. Even then, the “professionals” had a consistent view: a great writer with nothing to say.
At the time, he didn’t rise to the level of Cheever, Fowles, Barth, or even Oates. I certainly wouldn’t put him in the class of Bellow or Morrison. Not even close.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:22 PM
“It’s also been pointed out that Toni Morrison is the only native-born American with a Nobel for Literature.”
William Faulkner will haunt you from his grave y’all. Assuming that you consider Mississippi part of America.
April 21st, 2008 at 6:49 PM
Frankly, I never noticed Bellow saying much at all about anything; and I certainly wouldn’t consider him nearly as gifted a writer as Updike. But to each his own, I suppose. And I would disagree that Updike doesn’t have anything to say. However if significance of topic is the only limiting factor then perhaps his latest novel will finally break the logjam. It’s certainly a stretch from his usual subject matter, and very topical.