"Old School" is a novel by Tobias Wolff that explores the themes of education, identity, and the complexities of adolescence. Set in a prestigious boarding school in the 1960s, the story is narrated by a student who grapples with his desire for approval from both his peers and the influential authors who visit the school. The narrative is rich with tension as the young narrator navigates the expectations placed upon him by the school's elite environment.
Central to the plot is a writing contest that serves as a catalyst for self-discovery and rivalry among the students. The narrator's ambition to impress guest authors like Ernest Hemingway and Robert Frost drives him to confront his own insecurities and ambitions. As he delves deeper into the world of literature, he begins to understand the impact of honesty and authenticity in both writing and life.
The novel culminates in a series of events that test the narrator's values and the consequences of his actions. Through his experiences, Wolff captures the struggles of youth and the transformative power of literature. "Old School" ultimately reflects on the interplay between art and morality while portraying the bittersweet journey of coming of age in a world filled with aspiration and disillusionment.