The Adventures of Augie March

Saul Bellow was born on June 10, 1915, in Lachine, Quebec, Canada, to Lithuanian Jewish immigrant parents. His family moved to Chicago when he was just nine years old, where he grew up in a diverse and vibrant neighborhood, much like the Chicago depicted in The Adventures of Augie March. Bellow’s literary journey began at the University of Chicago, where he studied anthropology and sociology. During this time, he developed a love for literature and began to explore his own creative talents. He published his first short story, Two Morning Monologues, in Story magazine in 1941, marking the start of his career as a writer. World War II interrupted Bellow’s literary pursuits, and he served in the US Merchant Marines and later the US Army, experiences that informed some of his later works. After the war, he returned to Chicago and continued to hone his craft, publishing a series of short stories and essays.

In 1953, Bellow achieved literary acclaim with The Adventures of Augie March, his third novel. This groundbreaking work is now regarded as a cornerstone of American literature, both for its narrative prowess and its exploration of the human experience. Set in Chicago, the novel follows the life and adventures of its eponymous hero,

Unlock all 62 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,550+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App

+ Printable PDF

+ Literary AI Tools

Unlock Full Library