Warm showers
October 8th 2006 00:15
A 400-page novel becomes an abomination if you look at it through a writer’s or a lit critic’s eye. You can’t pause at every sentence to think about the rhetorical arrangement or the style; you can’t be on the guard, constantly, for ways the book reflects on theme, or patriarchy, or imperialism.
Not all novels will lend themselves to this, but one pleasure of novels lies in being immersed, and in being content to remain immersed. The novel sweeps over you, like sun-warmth or a shower, and doesn’t require much effort. At the same time, it offers enough surprises to keep you awake, little details of style or content that fascinate, candy on the way to the witch’s house.
The logic results, ultimately, in action films with explosions every five minutes, and sitcoms with jokes every five seconds.
Not all novels will lend themselves to this, but one pleasure of novels lies in being immersed, and in being content to remain immersed. The novel sweeps over you, like sun-warmth or a shower, and doesn’t require much effort. At the same time, it offers enough surprises to keep you awake, little details of style or content that fascinate, candy on the way to the witch’s house.
The logic results, ultimately, in action films with explosions every five minutes, and sitcoms with jokes every five seconds.
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Comment by Damo
Comment by Adrian
Philosophy Blog
Comment by MelissaA
Fun Facts
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
Who says Shakespeare has to be more important than American Pie?
Comment by Adrian
Philosophy Blog
Dear Always Eighteen, not me.
Comment by MelissaA
Fun Facts
In fact my idea of Paradise would be to do nothing but read books for the rest of my life!
I'm just saying that the light entertainment books have plenty of value too - we can't completely limit ourselves to novels of deep and meaningful content. ; )