Archived threads in /lit/ - Literature - 650. page
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So, I've previously avoided Pynchon, largely because I think I've been afraid of him - for lack of better words. Lately, I've been thinking about finally giving him a go.
Before I start into a new author, I read excerpts of famous passages and any famous existing analysis of its themes and meanings and I research the author's background and try to learn as much about the author as I'm able. As I've begun to learn more about Pynchon and read various theories of his work, I'm getting more and more excited to dive into his canon. If I'm being honest, I've only really understood him as a meme from coming here (and maybe that will stay true?) and I'd like to finally give him an honest chance and see if I like his stuff.
Anyone read Pynchon willing to share what it is about his work, in particular, that makes him your favorite author or one of your favorites? There are Pynchon memes all over this place but it seems to be pretty rare that he's discussed with any seriousness.
I'd also be interested in hearing from those who don't take his work seriously after having read him, and why?
>>7911999
He has a great sense of humor, is adept at evoking a mood of genuine paranoia, and occasionally writes beautiful passages.
>>7911999
I like him because I feel like I learn more from his books than I do from anything else. He always seems to elude understanding, and the experience of reading his books if often frustrating and dull, but nonetheless, I managed to read them all, so he must have been doing something right. There are passages of extraordinary beauty in his stuff (particularly Against the Day, if that's what you're after) and a level of depth that you won't find anywhere else, tempered with jokes and silly allusions, so it doesn't get to stuffy and serious. He's talking about the big things that matter in our lives, from war to technology to family, in a way that is completely reckless and fearless, and admittedly in a way that doesn't always land, but that's what makes him great.
>>7912010
>I like him because I feel like I learn more from his books than I do from anything else. He always seems to elude understanding, and the experience of reading his books if often frustrating and dull, but nonetheless, I managed to read them all, so he must have been doing something right. There are passages of extraordinary beauty in his stuff (particularly Against the Day, if that's what you're after) and a level of depth that you won't find anywhere else, tempered with jokes and silly allusions, so it doesn't get to stuffy and serious. He's talking about the big things that matter in our lives, from war to technology to family, in a way that is completely reckless and fearless, and admittedly in a way that doesn't always land, but that's what makes him great.
I was reading someone who said he was the first writer of "hypertext fiction" that didn't have hypertexts. Would you agree?
They meant it like this: "Hypertext fiction is a genre of electronic literature, characterized by the use of hypertext links which provide a new context for non-linearity in literature and reader interaction."
>>7912006
>occasionally writes beautiful passages
Do you find they're few and far between? I'm relatively familiar with Cormac McCarthy, as an example who I like, but I feel sometimes that he's trying to be almost too beautiful with every sentence he writes (if that makes sense).
ITT: Philosophers that are right about everything
literally who?
>>7911162
>philosophers that are right
>posts a picture of a complete and utter hack
kek
>>7911169
You're the only hack around here, kid
Why exactly, according to Nietzsche is comfort so bad?
I love being comfy as a state of being more than most others.
Will to comfort is a better underlying process i think.
so why was he such a faggot?
this image i just realised may make it seem like i'm being ironic but i'm not
>Why exactly, according to Nietzsche is comfort so bad?
Which passage are you referring to?
Because it turns you into a fat retard, as this thread exemplifies.
What is the first sentence of that book you're working on, anon?
Her asshole glistened in the moonlight.
>>7907388
When we found our Chinaman dead in that desert, nobody had much to say about it.
Don't call me Ishmael.
I'm doing Moby Dick with the intention of saying the opposite of everything in it in the hope that there is some wisdom to unlock in it
A novel without characters, something along the lines of Koyaanisqatsi.
>>7910297
I like it
But how
i toyed with the idea of writing a fictionalized biography of zyzz but i don't really want to write a whole book about a meme
i might still make a short story out of it
How does Chaucer reconcile the fact that he incorporated pre Christian pagan mythology into works (Canterbury Tales) intended for a Christian audience, with his Christian beliefs?
>>7906621
By "pre Christian pagan mythology" are you referring to the fart jokes?
>>7906623
no, I mean the use of Greek gods
In fact, I find it weird/interesting that Middle Ages Christian authors took materials off "pagan" religions
/lit/ ruined my life.
How's your meme:literature ratio, and when did you realise how far gone you really were?
Apart from Brett Easton Ellis you got a nice shelf there m8
>>7905296
You fell for the "meme:literature" meme
>>7905296
>actually bought this is water
Just kill self
>>7902748
>edgy atheist Paradise Lost fanfic
>Graphic novels are not books by the way.
Post 'em now sweet /lit/!
16 books behind schedule, wow you're a lazy faggot
>>7900506
The Great Gatsby
1984
The Hobbit
The Giver
Anna Karenina
Inherent Vice
How badly did I get meme'd?
all good books but your lumping them together proves you are a mindless drone who probably didn't read any of them
did you read any of them..?
Let your hate fly. Reasons optional.
I hate you for not loving Kafka.
Nabokov stupid ugly face keeps me from taking anything that he says seriously
Fuck everything written after 1968
This is the latest chapter in the upcoming American classic novel "Practice what you Peach" about Frank, a grumpy old peach farmer who hates peaches.
In this latest installment, Frank shows a journalist around his farm after winning the state fair with his premium peaches.
>>7892142
link to the previous chapters please
How do you cool cats come up with scenes? That is my biggest weakness. I've been trying to work on this one story for a couple weeks now. Got all the characters written up, the direction I want to go, lots of details about the setting, but all the scenes I write feel clumsy.
I'd prefer without the "-" but leave in the indents.
>mfw I'm taking a writing fiction workshop where half the kids write about transgendered characters and the hardships they face in society
Why is your face japanese spongebob?
>>7909157
You should write a story about a straight white cis man being oppressed by disgusting trannies. lol fiction
>>7909157
why is everyone so fucking obsessed with trannies these days?
I want to become a Christian again, or at least consider it. I felt like I had a better outlook on life and moral compass when I had God in mind. Not in a fear kind of way, but in a genuine relationship.
Anyway, I figured the Bible and Confessions of St Augustine would be a good start.
I don't even know what "kind" of Christian to be, such as Catholic or anything else. I am technically confirmed in the Catholic faith, but have not been practicing, praying, or even thinking about it for years.
I suppose specifically I would be looking for Christian apologetics as well. I have been a skeptic for a long time, and it's still hard to suspend disbelief. What changed your mind?
The Greeks. Augustine, Confessions and The City of God against the Pagans. Feser, Aquinas (biography). Aquinas, Shorter Summa. Tolstoy, The Kingdom of God is Within You. The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Read them in listing order.
Haha :D Ebin!
First time /lit/ poster, usually /out/. I'm looking for a new interesting book series. A story that is mesmerizing in each book but spans several different novels. Dark Tower series by Stephen King is an excellent example, but as I start to reread the entire series for the fourth time I realize I need to find something new. Vampire Chronicals by Anne Rice and Ender's game sort of related.
I love reading, but hate when the ride is over so soon, if you know what I mean.
Scifi/ fantasy related preferred, but also open to other genres. I kind of dabbled in the Sword of Shannara (spelling?) when I was way younger, but came across the Dark Tower series and just kind of dropped it. Is that a good one to restart?
Sincerest apologies if this is a common question asked here on /lit/. Making an honest effort to stop watching so much visual media; canceled my Netflix account because I want to do more reading in nature like I used to do (picture related, favorite spot of mine to read).
Please be bait. Also, check the sticky.
>>7910622
>>7910643
Dear crossposters,
If someone came to your board without understanding the first thing about traveling or the outdoors, but insisting that their opinions on said subjects be taken seriously and respected, would you not laugh at them? You might have thought /lit/ was supposed to be more mellow or something because reading seemed like a comfy pursuit to you, but coming to this board and asking for things like Stephen King-like suggestions is akin to going to /trv/ and asking about taking the local bus two blocks down or going to /out/ and wanting serious advice about setting up a tent inside your living room. Are you really telling me that people like that wouldn't be laughed off your respective boards? This is what you come off like when you want sci fi, fantasy, thriller, horror, or genre suggestions in general.
Regards,
/lit/
