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The protagonist of Tobias Wolff's first novel, "Old School," is a boy attending an elite prep school in 1960. He is an outsider who has learned to mimic the negligent manner of his more privileged classmates. Like many of them, he aspires to become a writer more than anything else. However, to achieve this, he must first learn to be truthful about himself.

The catalyst for this personal revelation is the school's literary contest, where the winner will be granted an audience with the most renowned writer of the time. As the fever of competition spreads among the boy and his classmates, it begins to fray alliances, expose weaknesses, and give rise to deceptions and betrayals, which Wolff explores with an unflinching eye and a profound well of empathy.

The boy's journey is a reflection of the challenges faced by those who do not fit in with the established norms of their social circles. He must navigate the complex landscape of privilege, ambition, and the pursuit of artistic expression, all while grappling with the fundamental question of what it means to be true to oneself.

Wolff's masterful storytelling is further evidence of his status as an authentic American literary master. Through the lens of this boy's experiences, he delves into the universal themes of identity, belonging, and the pursuit of one's dreams, all while crafting a deeply compelling narrative that captivates the reader.

The author's keen observation and nuanced portrayal of the characters and their interactions create a rich and textured world that feels both specific to its time and place and universally relatable. The novel's exploration of the power dynamics at play within the elite prep school setting serves as a microcosm for the larger societal forces that shape the individual's sense of self and place in the world.

Ultimately, "Old School" is a poignant and insightful exploration of the human condition, one that challenges the reader to confront their own preconceptions and biases, and to consider the ways in which personal truth and artistic expression can intersect and collide. Wolff's masterful handling of this complex narrative demonstrates his status as a true literary virtuoso, and cements his place as a vital voice in the canon of American literature.

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