“Garp” is a character in John Irving’s 1978 novel “The World According to Garp”. The novel follows the life of Garp, from his birth to his eventual death, and covers a wide range of topics such as sexuality, feminism, and the nature of art.
Garp is born in 1944, during World War II, in New Hampshire. His father, a pilot in the war, dies when his plane crashes into the sea. Garp’s mother, Jenny Fields, is a feminist who becomes a nurse and raises Garp on her own. Jenny is a strong-willed woman who refuses to marry and is focused on achieving her own goals in life.
As a child, Garp is exposed to Jenny’s feminist ideals and becomes interested in writing. He attends a prep school and then goes to college, where he meets his future wife, Helen. Garp becomes a successful writer and publishes several novels, including “The World According to Bensenhaver”, a satirical work that becomes a best-seller.
Throughout his life, Garp struggles with the challenges of fame and the difficulties of maintaining a successful marriage. He and Helen have two children, Duncan and Walt. Garp’s writing becomes increasingly political and he becomes involved in activism, particularly in support of women’s rights. He even builds a “rape prevention center” in his home, which becomes a target for violence.
In the latter part of the novel, Garp and his family move to Vienna, where Garp is working on a new novel. He is tragically killed by a mentally unstable fan who crashes her car into his house, in an attempt to kill him.
The novel ends with Garp’s funeral and the realization that his legacy will live on through his writing and the impact he has had on the people he has touched in his life.
Overall, the story of Garp is a complex and nuanced exploration of the human experience. It covers themes such as love, family, sexuality, violence, and the nature of fame and success. Garp’s journey through life is filled with triumphs and tragedies, joys and sorrows, and ultimately ends in a tragic and unexpected death.
Throughout the novel, Garp is portrayed as a flawed but ultimately likable character. He is driven by his passion for writing and his desire to make a difference in the world. He is also shown to be fiercely loyal to his family and friends, even in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, the character of Garp is a timeless and memorable creation of John Irving’s. His story is a rich and complex exploration of the human experience, and his legacy lives on through his writing and the impact he has had on the people he has touched in his life. Despite the tragic ending of his life, Garp’s spirit lives on, inspiring us to be the best versions of ourselves and to strive for greatness in all that we do.