Summary of "André Alexis Reads Alice Munro" Episode of The New Yorker: Fiction

Release Date: June 1, 2024

Introduction

In this poignant episode of The New Yorker: Fiction, hosted by Deborah Treisman, fiction editor at The New Yorker, André Alexis pays tribute to the late Alice Munro, who passed away in May at the age of 92. The episode features Alexis reading Munro's acclaimed story "Before the Change," originally published in the August 1998 issue of The New Yorker and later included in her collection The Love of a Good Woman. This special tribute not only honors Munro's illustrious career but also delves deep into the thematic and structural intricacies of her work.

André Alexis' Relationship with Alice Munro's Work

André Alexis begins by reflecting on Munro's profound influence on his own writing journey. He states, "Since the time I wanted to be a writer, Alice Munro has been part of my landscape" (01:02). As a Canadian writer with Trinidadian roots, Alexis highlights how Munro, along with other formidable women writers like Margaret Atwood and Mavis Gallant, shaped the literary landscape he navigates today.

He elaborates on the local resonance of Munro's work, particularly its depiction of southwestern Ontario's small-town life, a setting familiar to him: "When I read her descriptions of the landscape, I know where I am... it's a restitution of my childhood as well" (03:41). This intimate connection underscores why Alexis chose "Before the Change" for this episode—a story that mirrors his own experiences and sentiments.

Reading of "Before the Change"

André Alexis delivers a compelling rendition of Alice Munro's "Before the Change," immersing listeners in the nuanced narrative of a young woman's strained relationship with her father, a doctor, and the mysterious Mrs. Barry. The story intricately weaves themes of control, suppression, and liberation against the backdrop of medical procedures and personal turmoil.

Analysis of "Before the Change"

Narrative Structure

Deborah Treisman initiates a discussion on the story's epistolary format, noting its uniqueness: "this is one of very few in which all the letters are from one person" (65:20). Alexis concurs, appreciating the "faux epistolary" nature where the protagonist writes to herself, blurring the lines between diary entries and personal letters. This structure allows Munro to explore the protagonist's internal struggles and fragmented understanding of her circumstances.

Character Dynamics

The conversation delves into the complex relationships portrayed in the story. Alexis highlights the ambiguous bond between the narrator and her father, as well as the enigmatic role of Mrs. Barry. He remarks, "Mrs. Barry would be universally accepted as a problematic character... but it makes me question the nature of the narrator's view of Mrs. Barry" (81:38). This ambiguity invites readers to ponder the underlying tensions and possible motives driving each character's actions.

Themes: Hypocrisy, Unknowing, Liberation

The episode explores several central themes:

• Hypocrisy and Control: The father's imposing control over his daughter's life, especially concerning her abortion and career choices, showcases a deep-seated hypocrisy, especially given his role as a theological college teacher. Treisman observes, "the hypocrisy of Robin saying, I can't marry you because we've clearly had premarital sex... It's a double-edged sword" (75:56).

• Unknowing and Anticipation: The protagonist's journey is marked by a pervasive sense of unknowing—about her father's true intentions, Mrs. Barry's role, and the ultimate fate of her relationship. Alexis connects this to the feeling of anticipation before a child is born: "the story... is a very good objectification of that state of anticipation, anxiety and unknowing that precedes the coming of the child" (73:16).

• Liberation: The story culminates in the narrator's sense of freedom following her father's death and Mrs. Barry's departure. Alexis interprets this as liberation from the oppressive structures represented by her father: "she's liberated from the things that the father represents. Abortion, money, concern for how others are viewing her" (83:54).

Munro's Writing Style

Alexis praises Munro's distinctive approach to depicting the human body and emotional landscapes: "there is a strain in her work of such a frankness about the body that I adore, frankly, it's not polite... trying to figure out what's going on" (05:25). He contrasts her style with that of Chekhov, emphasizing Munro's unique blend of brutality and tenderness.

The Ending and Its Implications

The discussion highlights the story's ending, where the protagonist achieves a sense of euphoria and self-awareness after unearthing discrepancies in her father's financial affairs. Treisman and Alexis interpret the final lines as a symbolic farewell and a rejection of her father's manipulative logic: "What if people really did that? Sent their love through the mail to get rid of it?" (64:34). This act signifies the protagonist's emotional and psychological emancipation.

Discussion about Alice Munro

Treisman and Alexis transition to discussing Munro herself. Treisman shares her experiences editing Munro's stories, highlighting Munro's relentless pursuit of perfection: "She was always still working on a story... she often went on working on them after they were published" (90:56).

Alexis reflects on Munro's self-awareness and humility as a writer. He contemplates whether Munro recognized her literary prowess or saw her writing as merely an extension of herself: "Do you think she had any idea of how good a writer she was or whether it was just simply something that she did?" (93:22). Treisman affirms Munro's confidence in her work despite her desire for privacy and her discomfort with public attention.

They also discuss Munro's struggle with novel-writing, noting her preference for short stories that eschew filler elements, creating "living documents" that continue to resonate and influence long after their publication (95:15).

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a heartfelt acknowledgment of Alice Munro's immense contribution to literature. Treisman honors Munro's legacy, mentioning her numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Literature, and her lasting impact on Canadian and global literature. Alexis echoes this sentiment, expressing gratitude for Munro's life and work, which continue to inspire writers and readers alike.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• André Alexis on Munro's Influence:

  • "Since the time I wanted to be a writer, Alice Munro has been part of my landscape." (01:02)

• On the Personal Resonance of Munro's Settings:

  • "When I read her descriptions of the landscape, I know where I am... it's a restitution of my childhood as well." (03:41)

• On Munro's Narrative Boldness:

  • "There is a strain in her work of such a frankness about the body that I adore, frankly, it's not polite." (05:25)

• On the Story's Liberation:

  • "She's liberated from the things that the father represents. Abortion, money, concern for how others are viewing her." (83:54)

• On Munro's Editing Process:

  • "She was always still working on a story... she often went on working on them after they were published." (90:56)

• On Munro's Confidence:

  • "She was very receptive to being told that a sentence needed work." (91:10)

• On the Lasting Impact of Munro's Stories:

  • "Our stories are living documents and they don't die even when they're published... they go on haunting you." (95:15)

This episode beautifully encapsulates the enduring legacy of Alice Munro through the lens of André Alexis, providing listeners with both a captivating reading and a profound analysis of her storytelling mastery.