No fawning P-cultie, I

[Henry M]

IMHO COL49 is a wonderful, modern chamber piece. The formal, 
trad structure (plot and character development, for example) that we
expect is there in spite of modern dissonant themes.

Perhaps GR is not a great novel because it isn't a novel. Are all long
works of fiction novels? How important are the elements that we have
all been taught are necessary or required in a novel? Yes, the plot of
GR is as loose as Altman's "Nashville." Character development is
marginal. The beauty of GR is the integration of it's modern ideas
with it's own modern (or do I need to say pomo to score any points
with this crowd) structure. A "plot" (plot?!) would work against
pointlessness; character development might suggest purpose or hope. 

IMHO, GR is perhaps a lesser novel but a greater work of art than
COL49. A-and don't ask me about V -- after all these years I'm still
sorting it out.

AsB4

Keep cool, but care. -- TRP
Moderation in moderation. -- Husky Mariner