The novel belongs to the tradition of American realism and social commentary, akin to works such as Sinclair Lewis's Babbitt and F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. It portrays a vivid and detailed depiction of contemporary urban life and explores the social, economic, and cultural forces at play.
Additionally, Tom Wolfe is associated with the New Journalism movement, along with writers like Truman Capote and Norman Mailer. New Journalism blends the techniques of fiction with nonfiction reporting to create a more immersive and subjective narrative style. Wolfe's use of vivid characterizations, detailed settings, and immersive storytelling aligns with this literary approach.
