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Plainsong
Kent Haruf. Vintage Contemporaries: 2000 (paperback). ISBN: 0375705856. 320 pages.
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About the Author
A page of detailed biographical information on Kent Haruf, including excerpts from interviews in which Haruf interprets his own work.
You’ll find out in this section that Kent Haruf is in a league of his own among writers, that is, at least in terms of his methodology. Haruf wrote much of this novel with a woolen cap pulled down over his eyes, so he could feel and listen to the story rather than look at it. Check out this section for more interesting facts about Haruf’s paths and passion as an author.
All in the Family
A synopsis of the literary traditions and genres with which Plainsong is affiliated and a brief explanation of these connections, giving your book group the opportunity to understand Haruf’s novel in a larger literary perspective.
Haruf’s novel fits into a variety of literary categories: Western literature, literature of place, regionalist fiction, and small town stories. But how does Haruf’s work challenge and redefine all these particular genres? Flip to this section to find out.
Character Tree
A list of major characters and their dominant characteristics and values, showing characters’ relationships to each other.
You know that character and character perspective are extremely important in this novel, if you just take a quick look at the chapter titles. But which important characters don’t get their own chapter, and which character that is not a character gets a chapter all its own? Go to this section to jog your memory.
Streams of Themes
A breakdown of potential major discussion themes in Plainsong, including ways these themes are interconnected.
Can you guess what some might argue is the most important theme in Haruf’s novel? Well, here’s a hint—take a look at the writing. Not what the writing says, but what the writing does, what the writing is. Still at a loss? Then look to this section to read a comprehensive discussion of Haruf’s central thematic concerns.
Talk Back to the Critics
Excerpts of some major critical reviews of Plainsong from authoritative journals, newspapers, and magazines. We encourage your book group to enjoy the opportunity to argue with expert opinion.
Most critics praise Haruf’s simplicity of style and the quiet confidence with which he presents his characters. But some attacked the novel as a high-flying version of a soap opera or situation comedy. Do they have a case? Read this section to learn more. . .
Doorways to Discussion
A chronologically and thematically organized list of discussion questions, which function to explore, in a logical and thoughtful manner, the questions and possibilities that Plainsong evokes.
Look at the definition that Haruf offers for the word “plainsong” in the novel’s frontispiece. How does this definition apply to the novel? That’s question number one, to start you thinking. Go to this section to find thirty more provocative questions.
Taste Test
A selection of other books on subjects similar to those in Plainsong to consider for future book group meetings or for private reading.
If Haruf’s novel has inspired you to check out more great American stories, or contemporary Western literature, or classic small town fiction, look to this list to pick up some good recommendations.
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