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?
Monday, July 31, 2006
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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