Saroyan, << suh ROY uhn, >> William (1908-1981), was an American writer. He became known for loosely structured, impressionistic plays and stories that praise the common person’s ability to live a full, happy life in a world of ugly reality. In the preface to one of his plays, Saroyan wrote: “In the time of your life, live, so that in that good time there shall be no ugliness or death for yourself or for any life your life touches.” Saroyan’s works show his belief in people’s basic innocence. Most are about poor, down-and-out people whose vitality and purity he praises. Some of his works tend to be sentimental rather than objective, especially his portraits of children and of working-class life.
Saroyan was born on Aug. 31, 1908, in Fresno, California. His first book was a collection of stories, The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze (1934). Saroyan won the Pulitzer Prize for The Time of Your Life (1939), but refused to accept the award. He said he disapproved of literary prizes. His other works include a novel, The Human Comedy (1943); several autobiographical works, which include Not Dying (1963) and Chance Meetings (1978); and a collection of nonfiction pieces, Obituaries (1979). Saroyan died on May 18, 1981.
