The Plastic Age - Percy Marks

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Résumé :
The Plastic Age can be read as an expos? on the moral failings of undergraduates in Jazz Age New England, as described through the four-year experience of a young man at the fictional Sanford College. Students enroll at Sanford to ?acquire culture,? and do so at an age when they are ?plastic? in the sense that they are changeable and meant to be transformed by the experience. But, not all of the lessons of a college education are in the curriculum. To a student reader of the 1920s, Marks? novel would have looked more like a moral tale, critique, and guide to navigating the challenges, pitfalls, and possibilities of higher education. Marks was an English instructor at Brown University at the time of publication but also had experience teaching at MIT and Dartmouth from which to draw his descriptions of campus life. The book was popular, the second best selling novel of 1924. It inspired two motion pictures. But it was also controversial. The novel was banned in Boston and Marks was removed from his teaching position at Brown the next year. College administrators saw the novel?s setting as a thinly-veiled version of their own school and the novel?s portrayal of college life hit too close to home. A Sanford English instructor seems to convey the author?s view when he says: ?Some day, perhaps, our administrative officers will be true educators; ? our faculties will be wise men really fitted to teach; ? our students will be really students, eager to learn, honest searchers after beauty and truth.? But what Marks sees instead are uninspired teaching and advising, superficial learning, pervasive smoking, prohibition-era drinking, vice, gambling, billiards, institutionalized hazing, excessive conformity, and a campus life that molds its students into less serious people. The author seeks elevation but sees regression. Some of the norms and expectations of the 1920s may seem dated to the modern reader, but important themes endure. Marks went on to write 19 additional books and late in his career, returned to teaching literature at the University of Connecticut.

Biographie:
Percy Marks (September 9, 1891 ? December 27, 1956) was an American writer and college English instructor best known for his best selling 1924 novel, The Plastic Age.

Sommaire:
The Plastic Age by Percy Marks is a novel that delves into the experiences of Hugh Carver, a freshman at Sanford College, as he navigates the complexities of college life. The story begins with Hugh's arrival at the college, filled with anticipation and a sense of belonging. He quickly befriends his roommate, Carl Peters, a sophisticated and worldly young man who introduces Hugh to the social dynamics of college. As Hugh settles into his new environment, he encounters various challenges, including the intimidating process of registration, the overwhelming presence of upperclassmen, and the demanding academic schedule. Despite these hurdles, Hugh finds solace in the camaraderie of his peers and the vibrant college atmosphere. Throughout the novel, Hugh's character is tested as he grapples with homesickness, academic pressures, and the desire to fit in. His interactions with fellow students, such as the troubled Herbert Morse, highlight the emotional struggles that many freshmen face. Hugh's empathy and willingness to help Morse reflect his growth and maturity as he learns to navigate the complexities of friendship and support. The novel also explores themes of identity and self-discovery, as Hugh is exposed to new ideas and experiences that challenge his preconceived notions. The influence of his professors, particularly the contrasting styles of Professor Kane and Mr. Alling, further shapes his academic journey. As Hugh becomes more integrated into college life, he begins to understand the importance of balancing social activities with academic responsibilities. The Plastic Age captures the essence of the college experience, portraying the transformative journey of young adults as they progress from adolescence to adulthood. Through Hugh's story, Percy Marks offers a poignant exploration of the challenges and triumphs that define the formative years of higher education....