# Nathanael West

> American writer and screenwriter (1903–1940)

**Wikidata**: [Q370521](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q370521)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathanael_West)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nathanael-west

## Summary
Nathanael West was an American writer and screenwriter (1903–1940) known for his satirical novels and contributions to 20th-century literature. His most notable work, *The Day of the Locust* (1939), critiques Hollywood and American culture, cementing his legacy as a sharp observer of societal absurdities.

## Biography
- **Born**: October 17, 1903, in New York City, United States
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Education**: Attended Brown University
- **Known for**: Writing satirical novels and screenplays, notably *The Day of the Locust*
- **Employer(s)**: Worked in Hollywood as a screenwriter
- **Field(s)**: Literature, screenwriting, satire

## Contributions
Nathanael West's literary contributions include:
- *The Day of the Locust* (1939), a novel that critiques Hollywood's superficiality and the American Dream.
- *Miss Lonelyhearts* (1933), a novel exploring themes of despair and existentialism.
- Screenwriting work in Hollywood, contributing to films during the 1930s.

## FAQs
**What is Nathanael West best known for?**
Nathanael West is best known for his satirical novels, particularly *The Day of the Locust* (1939), which critiques Hollywood and American culture.

**Where did Nathanael West study?**
Nathanael West attended Brown University, a private university in Providence, Rhode Island.

**What themes did Nathanael West explore in his writing?**
West's writing often explored themes of despair, existentialism, and the absurdities of modern life, particularly in American society.

**What was Nathanael West's role in Hollywood?**
West worked as a screenwriter in Hollywood during the 1930s, contributing to films while also writing his novels.

**What is the significance of *The Day of the Locust*?**
*The Day of the Locust* is significant for its sharp critique of Hollywood and the American Dream, offering a satirical look at the entertainment industry and societal values.

## Why They Matter
Nathanael West matters for his incisive critique of American culture and society through his satirical novels. His works, particularly *The Day of the Locust*, provide a lasting commentary on the superficiality and absurdities of modern life. West's influence extends to later writers and critics who have drawn on his themes of despair and existentialism.

## Notable For
- Writing *The Day of the Locust* (1939), a seminal satirical novel.
- Authoring *Miss Lonelyhearts* (1933), a novel exploring existential themes.
- Working as a screenwriter in Hollywood during the 1930s.
- Being a prominent figure in 20th-century American literature.
- Influencing later writers and critics with his satirical style.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Nathanael West was born on October 17, 1903, in New York City, United States. He attended Brown University, where he developed an interest in literature and writing.

### Literary Career
West's literary career began with the publication of his novel *Miss Lonelyhearts* in 1933. This work explored themes of despair and existentialism, establishing West as a notable voice in American literature.

### *The Day of the Locust*
West's most famous work, *The Day of the Locust*, was published in 1939. The novel is a satirical critique of Hollywood and the American Dream, offering a dark and humorous look at the entertainment industry and societal values.

### Screenwriting Work
In addition to his novels, West worked as a screenwriter in Hollywood during the 1930s. His experience in the film industry influenced his writing, particularly in *The Day of the Locust*.

### Influence and Legacy
Nathanael West's influence extends to later writers and critics who have drawn on his themes of despair and existentialism. His works continue to be studied and appreciated for their sharp critique of American culture and society.

### Death
Nathanael West died on December 22, 1940, in a car accident. His untimely death cut short a promising literary career, but his works remain influential in American literature.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. The Fine Art Archive
4. CiNii Research
5. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
6. SNAC
7. Internet Broadway Database
8. Find a Grave
9. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
10. Babelio
11. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
12. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. CONOR.SI
15. BBC Things
16. LIBRIS. 2012
17. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
18. Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno
19. The Movie Database