The American Short Story and the Prodigal Son

Abstract

The prevalence of the Prodigal Son paradigm in the American short story tradition is analysed as offering a perspective on issues of independence and identity. The significance of the personal change brought about by the experience of breaking away from home is discussed in short stories by Irving, Poe, Harte, Garland, James, Cather, and Wolfe, many of whom refer directly to the parable in their work. Many of the characters in the stories are compelled to leave home by circumstance or choice, often in the search for redemption or personal happiness. They may seek to return, but the impossibility of a successful homecoming after the revolution involved in leaving is a key feature in this tradition, on a personal level and beyond.