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John Carey: Renowned Oxford Critic and Professor Passes Away at 91

John Carey, a prominent critic and professor of literature at the University of Oxford, passed away on December 11, 2023, in Oxford, England, at the age of 91. His death was confirmed by his son, Leo. Carey was known for his fearless critiques of high culture and the intellectual elite, often challenging the status quo in academia and literary circles. His contributions to literature and criticism have left a lasting impact on both students and scholars alike.

Carey served as the Merton Professor of English Literature at Oxford from 1975 until his retirement in 2002. During this time, he became a paradoxical figure within the British literary establishment, revered for his scholarship yet often critical of the pretentiousness he perceived in his peers. His contrarian views and disdain for elitism were expressed through numerous publications and critiques, including his long-running column in The Sunday Times of London.

One of Carey’s most influential works, The Intellectuals and the Masses (1992), accused modernist writers such as Virginia Woolf and D.H. Lawrence of crafting their works in a way that alienated the general public. He argued that their complex prose served to elevate their status while keeping the masses at bay. This theme of accessibility versus elitism became a hallmark of his career, as he sought to democratize literature and art.

Carey’s critiques were often sharp and unapologetic. In a review of a history of literary culture, he noted, “This book is richly stocked with people whom any person of decent instincts will find loathsome.” His candidness extended to his colleagues; he was known to leave meetings if a discussion became overly pompous, reflecting his disdain for pretentiousness.

Early Life and Education

Born on April 5, 1934, in Barnes, southwest London, Carey was the son of Charles Carey, an accountant, and Winifred Cook Carey, who worked as a secretary. Growing up in a middle-class environment, he was encouraged by a teacher to apply to Oxford. After being accepted, he recalled the experience as transformative, describing the college hall as reminiscent of a medieval abbey. This formative experience paved the way for his future academic pursuits.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Carey wrote a doctoral dissertation on Ovid’s imitators and became a tutor at Oxford in 1960. His early works on literary giants like Milton, Dickens, and Thackeray established him as a leading authority in English literature. However, as he ascended in academia, he began to critique the very culture he was part of, marking a significant shift in his career.

Critique of Elitism in Academia

In his essay Down with Dons (1975), Carey criticized the elitism often associated with university faculty. He argued that many academics were perceived as “uppish” and disconnected from the public. This sentiment resonated with many who believed that public funding should prioritize more pressing societal needs over the arts, leading to debates about the role of academia in society.

Carey’s 2005 work, What Good Are the Arts?, further explored the relationship between art appreciation and moral superiority. He contended that enjoying the arts did not inherently confer moral benefits, challenging the notion that cultural engagement was synonymous with virtue. His views sparked debate among critics, with some praising his insights while others dismissed his arguments as overly simplistic.

Writing Style and Impact

Despite his critical stance on elitism, Carey held literature in high regard, describing it as an “idea-bank” unmatched by other art forms. His writing style was characterized by clarity and directness, influenced by his literary hero, George Orwell. Andrew Holgate, his editor at The Sunday Times, remarked on Carey’s preference for straightforward prose, noting his avoidance of complex punctuation and convoluted sentences. This accessibility in his writing contributed to his popularity among readers and students alike.

Carey was particularly adept at providing sharp critiques of other writers. For instance, he dismissed Harold Bloom’s extensive study, Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human, as tedious and lacking in engagement with Shakespeare’s life. His pointed reviews often left a lasting impact on authors, as seen in Clive James’s reflection on Carey’s criticism of his work. Through these critiques, Carey not only influenced literary discourse but also encouraged writers to engage more thoughtfully with their craft.

A Commitment to Accessibility

Throughout his career, Carey maintained a commitment to making literature accessible. He believed that literature should not be an exclusive domain for the elite but rather a shared cultural resource. His critiques often resonated with readers who felt alienated by the complexities of highbrow literature, bridging the gap between academia and the general public.

In addition to his academic work, Carey was a dedicated teacher. Former students described him as courteous, kind, and encouraging, contrasting with his often combative public persona. He encouraged his students to engage critically with guest speakers, urging them to challenge ideas and think independently. This approach fostered a generation of thinkers who were not only well-versed in literature but also equipped to question the status quo.

Legacy and Surviving Family

Carey is survived by his wife, Gillian Booth, a fellow literary scholar, and their two sons, Leo and Thomas. His legacy as a critic who championed accessibility in literature and challenged elitism will endure in the academic and literary communities. As the literary world reflects on Carey’s contributions, it is clear that his fearless critiques and commitment to making literature accessible have left an indelible mark on the field.

In conclusion, John Carey’s work continues to inspire discussions about the role of art and literature in society. His unwavering belief in the democratization of literature and his critiques of elitism remain relevant today, serving as a reminder of the importance of accessibility in the arts. As we mourn the loss of this influential figure, we also celebrate the profound impact he had on literature and criticism.

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