Yeah, just wondering, considering I'm doing a research paper on his bio, I can't find what influenced his writing, but I heard he had enjoyed the early 20s and 30s movies (King Kong...) stuff like that... Just out of curiousity, what DID influence the way he writes? Has his influences changed over the years?
Whoever can help me, thanks a bunch. Helps a lot!
Also, I've been writing a biographical sketch about him that includes important pieces of information... Just wanted to know if there is any interesting pieces of information that nobody can find anywhere else?
If ya can, post here. Thanks.This message has been edited. Last edited by: abr71310,
I've read that Ray likes Steinbeck, which puzzles me because I can't read Steinbeck at all. I'd like to know why Ray likes Steinbeck. It seems to me like they are polar opposites.
If you read his books, you'll find Mr. Bradbury honours many of those who've influenced him; among whom are Poe, Mellville, Wolfe, Dickens, Hemmingway...
Posts: 3167 | Location: Box in Braling I's cellar | Registered: 02 July 2004
Also, read "The Exiles" (from Illustrated Man) with pen and paper at hand, and you will get a roster of major influencial authors. BII has hit upon a few of above.
Posts: 2822 | Location: Basement of a NNY Library | Registered: 07 April 2005
Originally posted by abr71310: What I read in his bios is that he was fascinated by movies like Hunchback of Notre Dame, King Kong, and The Phantom of the Opera...
He loves films and fall!
He had 14 years in Green Town, IL. Fourteen Octobers. His mother took him from the crib to see the movies several times a week. He says she was "a fiend" about the cinema. As he grew older, he caught the film fever and went with friends or by himself – as many as five or six times a week.
"Live Forever!"
Posts: 6909 | Location: 11 South Saint James Street, Green Town, Illinois | Registered: 02 October 2002
Ray has attributed a lot of authors as having influenced him. As suggested above, The Exiles is a good starting place. I imagine he cites more influences in his book, Zen and the Art of Writing. I don't have access to the books right now, but he has been influenced by many, and generously acknowledges them.
As to why he would like Steinbeck, I think Steinbeck has a style that is deceitfully simple (like Bradbury's). There is more to Steinbeck's stories than the surface would lead you to believe. In that, he is similar to (or imitative of) Hemingway--another writer Bradbury cites as an influence.
I think, also, that Bradbury would appreciate Steinbeck's focus on the question of what man is against society (i.e., In Dubious Battle) and Steinbeck's observations that man is defined, at least in part, by his relationships (i.e., Cannery Row, Sweet Thursday, etc.). Bradbury deals with these themes throughout his writing.
If I could say one author in particular, I'd say Edgar Rice Burroughs, because Burroughs got to him while he was still in his formative stage, as a child. Bradbury has said that at that age he would write sequels to Burroughs' Martian stories, so I would cite that important inspiration perhaps more than others.
Shaw to be certain, but that came later in life.
"Live Forever!"
Posts: 6909 | Location: 11 South Saint James Street, Green Town, Illinois | Registered: 02 October 2002
In at least one interview from the 1980s, Ray specifically identified some female writers that influenced him. Two of these were Willa Cather and Eudora Welty. There may be others, but I can't remember them just now.
He has also mentioned Shakespeare quite a few times, particularly as influencing his plays and his screenplay for Moby Dick. (His plays and forthcoming novel Leviathan 99 also have a Shakespearean influence.)
Great chapter in Green Shadow, White Whale on GB Shaw! Also, Gerard Manley Hopkins. How about Philip Francis Nowlan? Mr. Bradbury did a "fabulous" introduction in the collected comics strips of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. If you have read it, you know what I mean.
I guess he loves Steinbeck. There was a little bit of "The Grapes of Wrath," the description of the remote diner in the desert, which reminded me of "The Martian Chronicles," otherwise can't say as I see it.
Ray seems to name many more authors he loves than hates. Jules Verne is a major love.
Posts: 7332 | Location: Dayton, Washington, USA | Registered: 03 December 2001
I think, also, that Bradbury would appreciate Steinbeck's focus on the question of what man is against society (i.e., In Dubious Battle) and Steinbeck's observations that man is defined, at least in part, by his relationships (i.e., Cannery Row, Sweet Thursday, etc.). Bradbury deals with these themes throughout his writing.
I think you hit the nail on the head, Mr. Dark. It's not that I don't respect Steinbeck as a writer, it's just that I don't like to read it. It's a personal preference. But I have been pondering for a long time what the connection could be, since their writing styles seem so different.
