I had never heard of Joyce Carol Oates who wrote the novel with Lyle Stevick. I never studied literature in high school and college except what was required. Seems "Lyle" identified with this character. If someone took American Lit at the College level, how likely do you think this book would be on the reading list? I think more in terms of Steinbeck, Twain, and Salinger when I think American Lit. I see this author taught at Princeton. She was from upstate NY. Seems our Lyle Doe, used this name as a private joke maybe. Some commentary that if he had not made the internet, nobody would have ever linked his name to that novel.
I have a degree in English Literature and, although I know her works and have read a few, I did not have any of her books or short stories on any English syllabus. But that could just have been for my college. Hope that helps.
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