SOURCE: A review of Judith and Other Stories, in The New York Times Book Review, November 25, 1973, pp. 7, 14, 18.

Below, Oates takes issue with Farrell's compression of characterization, which she sees as a distortion of truth.

Branch on Farrell's Primary Thematic Concerns:

Whether Farrell's characters are defeated or fulfilled, and whether change in their lives approaches stagnancy or abrupt rebellion, Farrell seeks detailed answers to the questions "What happened?" and "How did it happen?" As he brings his characters forward in time, he identifies the seeds that have flowered as qualities of heart and mind while simultaneously he traces further consequences of their expanding or constricting values—the never-ending process of social interaction. Within the framework of a naturalism that assumes final oblivion for all men, he writes about education for life and education for death. He explores growth, self-discovery, creativity—and their frustration. These are his themes, and the...