Like I've got the time to post! Anyway, here are the books I read in 2006 (in no particular order). Thanks to Molly C. for shaming me into reading these. I can't let some girl beat me!Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
Emma by Jane Austen
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift
The Iliad by Homer
The Odyssey by Homer
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
The Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver
Teaching in the Block by Robert Canady
Essay on Man and Other Poems by Alexander Pope
By the way, I also learned to play the piano and wrote my own novel. So eat that, fellas!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Don Quixote - Summative Comments
I spent a large part of my summer -- pretty much all of July -- reading this novel. While it has stimulated my thinking and served as the catalyst for my bloggings, I must say that I am disappointed with the novel as a whole. Perhaps my hopes were set too high. After all, many critics place Cervantes among the top three writers of all time. That's a pretty high standard to meet, no matter who you are. For me, the novel lacked depth and consistency, was more sprawling than I care for, over-developed some themes, and plodded along like a broken-down mule in places. Not exactly what I would consider monumental.
On the flip side, the writing improved -- "matured" is a better word -- between the two parts, and Sancho Panza became a much more interesting character. The second half was more polished than the first, certainly, though it didn't really develop any new themes or provide a new perspective on themes developed in part one. I will remember some of the 400+ characters (Marcela, the duke and duchess, and of course Sancho and Quixote) as well as some of the stories and scenes (Quixote and Sancho vomiting in each other's faces, Sancho succumbing to the pressure in his bowels while standing next to Quixote, and Quixote's successful attack on the puppets), but largely I do not feel that my life was changed, nor my world-view dramatically altered after having read the book.
Rob points out that it is widely considered the first "novel," and as such Cervantes deserves kudos for attempting something so broad in scope when he had virtually no competition. Nowadays, authors must strive to be original in comparison to a few hundred years of literary history. Cervantes was original almost by definition, yet he still made his novel interesting in many creative ways. Overall, I am glad I read the novel, but I doubt very much if I will ever re-read it. I may seek some critical perspective on it to help enhance my understanding of its canonical prominence, however.
Probably the most enjoyable aspect of reading the novel was that I did so with two good friends. Their insights and comments have pushed me to consider the novel from a variety of perspectives and have ultimately helped me enjoy reading it. Honestly, if not for them, I would probably never have even picked it up much less finished it. Literary pursuits can be lonely: Reading is nearly always a solitary act, Italo Calvino notwithstanding. Discussing a work always yields both greater enjoyment and greater understanding, especially when that discussion involves experienced readers who care about literature.
On the flip side, the writing improved -- "matured" is a better word -- between the two parts, and Sancho Panza became a much more interesting character. The second half was more polished than the first, certainly, though it didn't really develop any new themes or provide a new perspective on themes developed in part one. I will remember some of the 400+ characters (Marcela, the duke and duchess, and of course Sancho and Quixote) as well as some of the stories and scenes (Quixote and Sancho vomiting in each other's faces, Sancho succumbing to the pressure in his bowels while standing next to Quixote, and Quixote's successful attack on the puppets), but largely I do not feel that my life was changed, nor my world-view dramatically altered after having read the book.
Rob points out that it is widely considered the first "novel," and as such Cervantes deserves kudos for attempting something so broad in scope when he had virtually no competition. Nowadays, authors must strive to be original in comparison to a few hundred years of literary history. Cervantes was original almost by definition, yet he still made his novel interesting in many creative ways. Overall, I am glad I read the novel, but I doubt very much if I will ever re-read it. I may seek some critical perspective on it to help enhance my understanding of its canonical prominence, however.
Probably the most enjoyable aspect of reading the novel was that I did so with two good friends. Their insights and comments have pushed me to consider the novel from a variety of perspectives and have ultimately helped me enjoy reading it. Honestly, if not for them, I would probably never have even picked it up much less finished it. Literary pursuits can be lonely: Reading is nearly always a solitary act, Italo Calvino notwithstanding. Discussing a work always yields both greater enjoyment and greater understanding, especially when that discussion involves experienced readers who care about literature.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Don Quixote's Knightly Purpose
I’ve long been ruminating on the theme of the novel and Quixote’s role in the fictional world in which the novel is set, so please forgive the verbosity of this posting. Berry mentioned that Quixote is on a quest for honor and glory, and though I partially agree, I think that this desire is more of a means to an end. Part 2 begins with a brief (for this novel, Quixote’s two-page paragraph is brief) discussion by Quixote in which he addresses the reasons for his adventuring interests. He says, “My only endeavor is to convince the world of the mistake it makes in not reviving in itself the happy time when the order of knight-errantry was in the field.” However, he continues by saying, “But our depraved age does not deserve to enjoy such a blessing as those ages enjoyed when knights-errant [performed their role].” Yet he still goes out on his often-dangerous adventures, bravely facing whatever threats he encounters, imagines, or creates. He has given up a life of relative luxury – he is a “don” after all – and undertaken a dangerous role for noble reasons. He can’t live in a world of “depravity,” so he’d rather invent a much more romantic and noble reality, even if it means suffering bodily for it. Dostoevsky talks about a similar concept in The Brothers Karamazov (I think Father Zosima gives the speech) when he discusses the benefits a life of asceticism has on the soul. Self-denial is, in some people’s opinion, the height of religious expression and fervor – and one cannot ignore or mitigate the impact of Christianity on the novel as a whole and all the characters therein. Therefore, Don Quixote’s delusions of his own knighthood – amusing as they are – are at the core born of his deep-seated religiosity, his selflessness, and his nobility. Since his perceptions of himself and, in some cases, of the world are flawed (self-delusional or not) and he is not often successful in improving the world around him (here, I am disagreeing with Berry who notes that other people become better in his presence – see below), he becomes a tragic hero.
One of the things I find myself disliking most about the story are the occasions when the people Quixote encounters take advantage of him or play jokes on him. Examples abound: The slew of people Quixote meets and travels with toward the end of Part 1, Samson Carrasco (though he got what he deserved), Sancho Panza (esp. the incident with the peasant “Dulcinea”), and the duke and duchess (who really ought to know better) and their servants. Such people, in the presence of Don Quixote (who is really adventuring on their behalf) become worse for their encounter with him. Another example of a person who does not improve as a result of an encounter with Don Quixote (at least, he has not yet shown improvement) was Gines de Pasamonte who, as a criminal, was freed from bondage by Don Quixote early in Part 1, then immediately lead the prisoners’ attack on Quixote and Panza. A couple days later, he stole Panza’s ass in the mountains. In Part 2, he shows up as a con man, trying to take advantage of Quixote’s pride (though, to his credit, Quixote resists this ploy) and bilking people out of their money. He doesn’t even get his just desserts, as Quixote pays him for inadvertently destroying his puppet show (hysterical scene, by the way). I hope we see more of the “Carrasco”-type scenes, where those who try to play on Quixote’s delusions are, at the very least, thwarted, if not punished for their actions.
I agree whole-heartedly with Berry, though, when he points out that at his core Quixote is really a good man doing good things to help others and that the world needs more of this. Again, in his speech in Part 2, Chapter 1 (this is really an awesome speech and illustrates the heart of the novel, if not the theme), Don Quixote decries the sloth, indolence, vice, arrogance, and materialism that exist in his world. We could issue that same indictment of our society today. Thus, the book instantly becomes timeless in this sense, for would our world not benefit from a revival of knight-errantry?
One of the things I find myself disliking most about the story are the occasions when the people Quixote encounters take advantage of him or play jokes on him. Examples abound: The slew of people Quixote meets and travels with toward the end of Part 1, Samson Carrasco (though he got what he deserved), Sancho Panza (esp. the incident with the peasant “Dulcinea”), and the duke and duchess (who really ought to know better) and their servants. Such people, in the presence of Don Quixote (who is really adventuring on their behalf) become worse for their encounter with him. Another example of a person who does not improve as a result of an encounter with Don Quixote (at least, he has not yet shown improvement) was Gines de Pasamonte who, as a criminal, was freed from bondage by Don Quixote early in Part 1, then immediately lead the prisoners’ attack on Quixote and Panza. A couple days later, he stole Panza’s ass in the mountains. In Part 2, he shows up as a con man, trying to take advantage of Quixote’s pride (though, to his credit, Quixote resists this ploy) and bilking people out of their money. He doesn’t even get his just desserts, as Quixote pays him for inadvertently destroying his puppet show (hysterical scene, by the way). I hope we see more of the “Carrasco”-type scenes, where those who try to play on Quixote’s delusions are, at the very least, thwarted, if not punished for their actions.
I agree whole-heartedly with Berry, though, when he points out that at his core Quixote is really a good man doing good things to help others and that the world needs more of this. Again, in his speech in Part 2, Chapter 1 (this is really an awesome speech and illustrates the heart of the novel, if not the theme), Don Quixote decries the sloth, indolence, vice, arrogance, and materialism that exist in his world. We could issue that same indictment of our society today. Thus, the book instantly becomes timeless in this sense, for would our world not benefit from a revival of knight-errantry?
Monday, July 31, 2006
Don Quixote's literary "stock"
The immortal Don makes numerous speeches throughout the novel, one of the most notable in Part II (for me, at least) occurs near the beginning (I forget the chapter) when he expounds on why he decided initially to become a knight-errant, what knight-errantry means to him and to the world, and what he hopes to accomplish. These digressions are one of the reasons the novel is so valuable: they help make it “literary” and enduring. Ray Bradbury, in the Coda of Fahrenheit 451, writes that, “Digressions, incontestably, are the sunshine, the life, the soul of reading!” (178), a quote that has stuck with me since I first encountered it. These digressions seem much more prevalent in older novels such as Don Quixote, The Brothers Karamazov, Les Miserables, Madame Bovary, etc., as characters wax philosophic about matters of consequence more in the lives of the readers than in the lives of the fictitious novel characters. Don Quixote is filled with these digressions, and engaging with Cervantes on such a level adds another dimension of enjoyment to the novel. For him to have written such digressions when novel-writing was in its infancy is impressive, though it might only have been second nature for a playwright such as he.
Another reason the book might be so highly considered are the rhetorical devices and strategies Cervantes employs. His characters strive to convince each other, persuading this or that character toward a particular belief. The arguments adopted by his characters are ingenious and not a little persuasive. For him to develop arguments that are logical and emotional, inductive and deductive, while appealing to the pragmatic senses, the heart, and the mind, is very impressive. Homer employs such argumentative techniques in The Iliad as well. Also, Cervantes (and Homer, too) frequently employs conceits and other extended metaphors as persuasive analogies (a mark of genius, if Aristotle is to be believed). From a rhetorical standpoint, the novel is brilliant.
Finally, the sheer size and scope of the novel must be considered. It is epic in many ways and attempts to satirize (quite successfully) the entire literary genre of romances which, at the time of the novel, was pervasive and popular (or so I gather). The novel is enormously long (especially for its time period) and highly contextual, incorporating intelligent literary references that illustrate a well-read, discerning mind.
All-in-all, I am becoming more and more impressed with it. Will it make my top twenty? I think it has already. My top ten? We shall see. Comments?
Another reason the book might be so highly considered are the rhetorical devices and strategies Cervantes employs. His characters strive to convince each other, persuading this or that character toward a particular belief. The arguments adopted by his characters are ingenious and not a little persuasive. For him to develop arguments that are logical and emotional, inductive and deductive, while appealing to the pragmatic senses, the heart, and the mind, is very impressive. Homer employs such argumentative techniques in The Iliad as well. Also, Cervantes (and Homer, too) frequently employs conceits and other extended metaphors as persuasive analogies (a mark of genius, if Aristotle is to be believed). From a rhetorical standpoint, the novel is brilliant.
Finally, the sheer size and scope of the novel must be considered. It is epic in many ways and attempts to satirize (quite successfully) the entire literary genre of romances which, at the time of the novel, was pervasive and popular (or so I gather). The novel is enormously long (especially for its time period) and highly contextual, incorporating intelligent literary references that illustrate a well-read, discerning mind.
All-in-all, I am becoming more and more impressed with it. Will it make my top twenty? I think it has already. My top ten? We shall see. Comments?
Top Ten Novels
I've resisted including plays or epic poems, and I have also passed over those books that are "great" but that are too difficult to really enjoy (e.g., The Sound and the Fury). Books are listed alphabetically by author, not by relative quality.
These are books that must accomplish something of significance in a literary, philosophical, social, or political way. They must also be enjoyable to read, broad in scope, and particularly eloquent. They are books I would (and do) pick up to read over and over. They are books I wish I had written.
The List
If On a Winter’s Night a Traveler Italo Calvino A wonderful journey through a novel -- or several novels. Metafictional, literary, fun, and serpentine. A truly unique book that virtually defies description and one I wish would never end.
The Brothers Karamazov Fyodor Dostoevsky Intense and emotional characters overwhelmed by their passions. Brilliant descriptions.
Invisible Man Ralph Ellison A work of genius from a purely American scholar. Encompasses the rage, the frustration, and the diversity of the African-American experience in Twentieth Century America. A must-read for all Americans.
Lord of the Flies William Golding The shortest novel on the list, but one of the darkest. Tragic and shocking, a microcosm of humanity (albeit viewed by a pessimist).
Les Miserables Victor Hugo Probably the most lyrical and eloquent of the novels listed. Poetic prose that tells a profoundly disturbing tale of sacrifice, loyalty, honor, and redemption.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Ken Kesey The ultimate Beat novel. Beautifully written and tragic. Can be read over and over, yielding increasingly rich interpretations.
1984 George Orwell One of the most politically important novels of our time. As timeless in its message as any novel, and one of the most critical novels to read.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance Robert Pirsig Compelling and fascinating. Takes to heart the advice of Socrates who said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." A writer's novel.
The Fountainhead Ayn Rand Affecting and inspiring story of a man who remains forever true to himself and his ideals.
Lord of the Rings J. R. R. Tolkien I also include The Hobbit with this very long novel, as it is a necessary prelude. Tolkien creates a mythical world, influencing fantasy literature permanently. It is the standard by which all fantasy literature is measured.
These are books that must accomplish something of significance in a literary, philosophical, social, or political way. They must also be enjoyable to read, broad in scope, and particularly eloquent. They are books I would (and do) pick up to read over and over. They are books I wish I had written.
The List
If On a Winter’s Night a Traveler Italo Calvino A wonderful journey through a novel -- or several novels. Metafictional, literary, fun, and serpentine. A truly unique book that virtually defies description and one I wish would never end.
The Brothers Karamazov Fyodor Dostoevsky Intense and emotional characters overwhelmed by their passions. Brilliant descriptions.
Invisible Man Ralph Ellison A work of genius from a purely American scholar. Encompasses the rage, the frustration, and the diversity of the African-American experience in Twentieth Century America. A must-read for all Americans.
Lord of the Flies William Golding The shortest novel on the list, but one of the darkest. Tragic and shocking, a microcosm of humanity (albeit viewed by a pessimist).
Les Miserables Victor Hugo Probably the most lyrical and eloquent of the novels listed. Poetic prose that tells a profoundly disturbing tale of sacrifice, loyalty, honor, and redemption.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Ken Kesey The ultimate Beat novel. Beautifully written and tragic. Can be read over and over, yielding increasingly rich interpretations.
1984 George Orwell One of the most politically important novels of our time. As timeless in its message as any novel, and one of the most critical novels to read.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance Robert Pirsig Compelling and fascinating. Takes to heart the advice of Socrates who said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." A writer's novel.
The Fountainhead Ayn Rand Affecting and inspiring story of a man who remains forever true to himself and his ideals.
Lord of the Rings J. R. R. Tolkien I also include The Hobbit with this very long novel, as it is a necessary prelude. Tolkien creates a mythical world, influencing fantasy literature permanently. It is the standard by which all fantasy literature is measured.
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