ATD: NO SPOILERS NO PAGE # Re: Rocketmen and Wastelands

[Daniel Julius]

Complex characterization = internal contradictions.

And real quickly to Ya, what's funny to me about Zola (and I've only read
_Germinal_) is that his characters really are so flat: they could be called
The Anarchist, The Socialist, and they are driven by such basic instincts,
getting more coffee for the morning, being tired, wanting to screw that one
girl, etc.  BUT in these portrayals, which appear to be so cardboard-y, we
learn so much about ourselves.  We are either Democrat or Republican, and we
too (though now obscured by incredibly effective consumer culture) consist
of wants -- that great Bistro's fillet Mignon, that vacation from the
goddamn office, a romp, dear god just one romp with that smart girl who sits
across from you in English class, etc.

--
Dan
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