John Dos Passos - By: Scott Naumann

By: Scott Naumann

Born in a hotel in Chicago. Referred to himself as a “hotel

child” His parents where

Portuguese and unmarried. Father was successful

corporate lawyer. John lived with his mother.

Often traveled to Europe with his mother. During his youth he felt isolated and

bewildered by society. Attended Choate preparatory school in

Wallingford, Connecticut. Classmates called John “Frenchy” and “Four

Eyes” because of he had a French accent and wore glasses.

John attended Harvard (Graduated 1916) During college his mother passed away He had ambitions for being an architect Harvard Monthly

wrote numerous articles and reviews began his first novel

His 1916 essay, “A Humble Protest,” foretold his vision and ambitions which would inspire his work over the next 20 years.

Set off for Europe Began studying in Spain Became ambulance driver for WWI

Kept journals during the war Which led to his first two published novels

Mans Initiation (1920) Three Soldiers (1921)

Trilogy published in 1938 The 42nd Parallel 1919 The Big Money

Angry writing but very powerful Wrote about the corruption of society Will always be remembered because of this

writing.

Where was John Dos Passos born and what did he call himself because of this location?

Born in Chicago in a hotel. Referred to himself as a “Hotel Child”

Where did John attend college and what was his area of study?

He attended Harvard and studied to become an Architect.

What did John serve as during WWI?

Ambulance Driver

What writing of John Dos Passo’s will he be remembered for?

The trilogy U.S.A.