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Nathanael West, born Nathan Weinstein in New York City on October 17, 1903, was an American novelist and screenwriter famed for his dark humor and social commentary. His literary contributions are scant in number but dense with potent, scathing critiques of American culture. West's heritage and upbringing were instrumental in shaping his satirical worldview, which became a bedrock of his writing style. He attended Brown University, where his experiences likely nurtured his distinct literary voice, ultimately leading to a brief but impactful career in literature ('Nathanael West', n.d.).
West's writing is characterized by its bleak outlook on life, punctuated by grotesque elements and a deep sense of despair. His most celebrated work, 'Miss Lonelyhearts' (1933), explores the existential pain of a newspaper advice columnist overwhelmed by the sorrow contained in the letters he receives. The novel is considered a masterpiece of American literature for its blend of dark humor and tragic elements, encapsulating West's unique style that often borders on the absurd and grotesque. Though West's career was cut short by his untimely death in a car accident on December 22, 1940, his work endures as a profound critique of modernity and the human condition (Martin, 1970).
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