All the Kings Men by Robert Penn Warren won the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction in 1947. It has stood the test of time and today is still considered to be one of the best books of all time. The author's style, use of figurative language, and themes that hold true today all add to the book's legacy. For these reasons, as well as many others, All the Kings Men is deserving of the Pulitzer Prize.
Warren uses his own style to tell the story. Jack Burden is both the narrator and central character of the book. From his point of view the reader learns through his experiences. The use of conversation shows the characters personality and attitude. Without it being directly stated that Jack is well educated or Sadie is from the street, anyone that reads the book could determine it by reading what the characters have to say. Flashbacks are used frequently throughout the novel, and at times there are flashbacks within flashbacks which can get a bit confusing.
WARREN SCHILLINGS
Warren, Pennsylvania
WARREN SCHILLINGSThe flashbacks are used to show that the past, present, and future affect each other like a web. "If you though it, at any point, the vibration ripples to the remotest perimeter." Warren's form of presenting the story is unique and interesting.
Warrens experience as a poet is shown is his writing. His writing style is very descriptive. Imagery is used to express the character's feelings and emotions, as well as appeal to the readers senses. At one point of the novel Jack goes back to California. He describes the scenery and the people of countryside, by the end of the section I felt as though I was a passenger on the trip. Similes and metaphors are used sparingly throughout the novel, but "The world is like an enormous spider...