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Post by shelbygraham on Jun 10, 2024 3:00:44 GMT
I mentioned in one of my comments on another post about how complex and dynamic each of the characters are, and it's got me thinking. I feel like they all could have a novel written just about themselves. I find myself wanting to learn more about their history and backstory, I guess in the same way I want to learn and find out about Lovett's past. And it's interesting how all these unique individuals' lives intersect and begin to create complicated relationships; and, how Lovett, someone who is such a blank slate, ends up intertwined with such compelling people. A lot of the storyline is centered around relationships, and honestly, how chaotic they are (at least that's how they appear to me).
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Post by mjunious on Jun 10, 2024 17:26:14 GMT
To paraphrase the sentiment of better literary analysts than me, good plots hold our attention while reading, while good characters stay in our memories when we put the book down. I think one of the things that makes Barbary Shore an accomplished work, is that Mailer is able to strike a balance with the journey he has put Lovett on, and the characterization of the residents in the building. I find myself wondering what predicaments wait for Lovett while I am reading, but when I walk away between chapters, my focus shifts to the other characters, and the mysteries surrounding all of them. I would be curious if you all experience this book in the same way?
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Post by Dr. Nemmers on Jun 10, 2024 18:21:19 GMT
Yes, for as flawed as this novel is, I agree that Mailer has done well to create some compelling interpersonal dynamics between the main 5 characters (Lovett, MacLeod, Hollingsworth, Guinevere, and Lenny). Part of this is the mystery that shrouds everyone, including Mike. But I do think Mailer is trying to do something with the noir/ thriller genre (I'll have more to say about this), where you have all these archetypes (seductress, rich girl, veteran, spy) who are thrown into a confined space together and forced to engage with each other over and over again.
It's a cheap but effective way to provoke and maintain readerly interest!
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Post by mjunious on Jun 11, 2024 21:06:59 GMT
When I first started reading, the noir genre was not on my radar, but since it has been mentioned, I see so many of the usual tropes. In film theory, we say that many of the down on their luck war veteran protagonist's amnesia represented them wanting to forget the past, while (usually) morally questionable characters around them continued living removed from the war and thus their behavior reflected the decline in society. The dialog between the characters play out similarly to film noirs too: usually quick, combative responses between male characters and suggestive (or straight to the point) language between characters of different genders. Looking at the alternate book covers posted on a different thread, I can see Rita Hayworth, playing Guineviere were it adapted to a movie, since she usually played seductress characters. I am not very familiar with this type of pulp fiction and would like to dive deeper into literary noir.
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Post by shelbygraham on Jun 12, 2024 2:42:14 GMT
Good points, Mitchell! There is a lot of focus on character analysis along with plot, and so far I find both compelling. Like you, I wonder what new predicaments or situations are coming. I like how you've brought up a film perspective, as well. Often characters do not always translate the same from books to the film version. Dr. Nemmers, I had not thought about the characters as archetypes. I will definitely focus more on that as I continue reading the novel!
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Post by meagangcurrie on Jun 12, 2024 21:35:41 GMT
Those complex and chaotic relationships make the story interesting to me. Lovett’s entanglement with the characters could be because of the location he chose to live. The rent is much cheaper than other places and the landlady is also eccentric. You could very well blame money for Lovett’s position with his other roommates. Something to think about.
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