Kazantzakis and America

Abstract

This article traces Kazantzakis’ attitudes towards America in works from the pre- and post-war periods. In doing so, it reveals his growing interest in visiting the country or even settling there for an extended period. The pretexts for such a journey were diverse and variously described by the writer as a means to ‘renew his vision’, to find a secure place to work, and to launch endeavours intended to ‘save’ Greece from afar. Though Kazantzakis’ antipathy to ‘Americanization’ remained, he was more prepared over time to tolerate these defects, while becoming increasingly sensible to the pull of other demands and attractions.