Middle C (novel)

Middle C is a 2009 novel by William H. Gass. It is Gass's third and final novel, following Omensetter's Luck (1966) and The Tunnel (1995). The novel is known for its complex structure, dense prose, and experimental use of language.

The story centers on Joseph Skizzen, a professor of music history who teaches at a college in Ohio. Skizzen is obsessed with mediocrity and seeks to instill in his students an appreciation for the commonplace. He avoids innovation and champions conformity, believing that originality inevitably leads to chaos and destruction.

The novel is divided into sections, each exploring Skizzen's life, his philosophies, and his relationships. These sections are interwoven with excerpts from Skizzen's lectures and internal monologues, creating a multifaceted portrait of a man consumed by his own peculiar vision of the world.

Middle C explores themes of conformity, originality, art, music, and the nature of human consciousness. It is considered a challenging but rewarding read, demanding close attention to Gass's intricate prose and complex narrative structure. The title alludes to the musical note of Middle C, a foundational element in Western music, and metaphorically represents Skizzen's desire for a stable, predictable, and ultimately, mediocre existence.