Authors compared during Sandoz Conference

Joseph Wydeven, a retired professor and dean at Bellevue University, said the writers were different with Sandoz placing great emphasis on historical research while Morris had little interest in history, and, in fact, was even a little suspicious of it. Wydeven said Morris primarily focused on literary narrative and often used the term "metaphysical landscape" to describe his work.

"Sandoz, having lived history, pursued the facts of history throughout her life," Wydeven said, "but rarely felt comfortable revealing the intimate details of her own life."

The speaker, who wrote his doctoral dissertation on Morris, said the Central City native emphasized the emotional meanings of personal experience. "He was intrigued by mysterious hidden and psychic qualities of character," Wydeven said of Morris.

The two authors concentrated on different physical territories. While Sandoz's work often focused on what Wydeven described as "the region around northwest Nebraska," he said Morris was extremely wary of being considered " only" a regional novelist, and sought recognition as an "American" writer.

There were numerous similarities between the writers, Wydeven pointed out.

For instance, both Sandoz and Morris found the pioneer past compelling. Wydeven noted that Sandoz, who was born in 1896, had lived through it while Morris, who was born in 1910, regretted not having experienced it. Neither was overly complimentary of succeeding generations, feeling that greed had replaced some of the values that had been needed to survive on the frontier.

Wydeven made several other comparisions between the authors. He said both had problems with their unique, unconventional fathers; included several suicide incidents in their works; were critical of Nebraska hero Buffalo Bill; went to considerable lengths to gather material; and shared a "certain complexity of language" that makes some of their works complex and difficult to read.

In conclusion, Wydeven said Sandoz had earned her the title of "beloved Nebraskan," and her reputation as a regional writer will no doubt continue to grow. However, Morris' work has been less well accepted in Nebraska and it is difficult to say how he will be perceived in the future, Wydeven stated. However, he anticipates "that two or three of his Nebraska novels will continue to force themselves upon the Nebraska consciousness."

The speaker also commented that both authors are due more critical attention than they currently receive.