Kevin McIlvoy: The Editor Comes Clean At Last, Part II (July 1998)

Adopting the conceit of an editor who has—to his subsequent chagrin—rejected all of Katherine Anne Porter’s writing, Kevin McIlvoy examines a range of Porter’s work for what it can teach writers and editors alike.  Through close readings of “María Concep–ción,” “Flowering Judas,” “The Leaning Tower,” “Noon Wine,” and Pale Horse, Pale Rider, McIlvoy traces the development of Porter’s comedic voice, and of her honest, objective stance, that, even as it generates pessimism, also generates empathy.