John Irving is an American novelist, screenwriter and essayist who has published fourteen novels He is best known for his novel The World According to Garp and for writing the screenplay for the Academy Award-winning movie adaptation of The Cider House Rules. Many of Irving's novels and short stories explore various aspects of adulthood, the family, and death. Irving has also written a number of essays, and has written on a variety of topics related to his life and work.
If you are looking for interesting essay topics about John Irving, here are five excellent examples:
1. The Evolution of John Irving’s Narrative Technique: This essay could provide an in-depth analysis of Irving’s writing style, and explore how it has evolved over the course of his career. This essay could discuss how he uses a combination of the first-person point of view, satire, and irony to tell his stories.
2. Themes of Redemption in John Irving’s Novels: This essay could explore the recurring themes of redemption, rebirth, and hope in Irving’s works. The essay could focus on characters who undergo a transformation, and how they are ultimately able to find peace and acceptance despite the obstacles they face.
3. Unconventional Families in John Irving’s Novels: This essay could explore how Irving portrays the various types of familial relationships in his novels. From the traditional nuclear family to single parenting and blended families, Irving's writing highlights the complexity of family dynamics.
4. Death and Loss in John Irving’s Novels: This essay could look at how Irving deals with death and loss in his works. From Garp’s mother, Jenny’s father, and the numerous other characters who die, Irving examines the complexity of mourning and how it can shape the living.
5. John Irving’s Use of Diction: This essay could analyze Irving’s use of language and diction, and how it contributes to the themes and messages of his works. Through the use of similes, metaphors, and other rhetorical devices, Irving conveys more than mere words.
Overall, John Irving is an accomplished novelist, screenwriter, and essayist. His works explore a variety of themes, including death and loss, unconventional families, and redemption. If you are looking for interesting essay topics on John Irving, the ones outlined above provide a great starting point.