Definition

Proper noun: - John Dos Passos: An American novelist of the 20th century, renowned for his innovative literary techniques and his detailed, often critical, portrayal of American society, culture, and politics in the first half of the 1900s.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • John Dos Passos is considered a major figure of the Lost Generation.
  • The novel Manhattan Transfer by John Dos Passos uses a collage-like technique to depict New York City life.
  • In his U.S.A. trilogy, John Dos Passos combined narrative, biography, and newsreel-style passages.

Advanced Usage

• "Dos Passos-esque": (adjective) Describing a literary style or technique reminiscent of John Dos Passos's work, particularly involving fragmented narratives, montage, and a focus on the collective experience of a society.
  • The author's use of newspaper headlines and song lyrics created a Dos Passos-esque panorama of the era.

Variants and Related Words

• Dos Passos: A common shortened reference to the author.
  • Scholars often compare the early works of Dos Passos with those of his contemporary, Ernest Hemingway.

Synonyms

• Novelist, author, writer, literary figure. (Note: These are general terms; "John Dos Passos" refers to the specific individual.)

Related Idioms/Phrases

• None directly associated. The author's name is primarily used as a proper noun reference.

Noun

1. United States novelist remembered for his portrayal of life in the United States (1896-1970)