James goes to the dogs

[Paul Mackin]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Carvill, John" <john.carvill at sap.com>
To: "Paul Mackin" <mackin.paul at verizon.net>
Cc: <PYnchon-l at waste.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2009 7:23 AM
Subject: RE: James goes to the dogs



> To me postmodernist and realist are just different reading
experiences.

Yep. I enjoy Roth, Bellow, etc. also.

> He wants to know how characters feel, not have history explained to
him.

But why? Is he an alien? Does he not know how characters feel? I;ve
never understood that imperative.

Me:

I know some people consider a reader's identification with characters in the 
story, feeling along with them, is retrograde, but to me it's good.

I don't have to approve of the feelings, just enjoy experiencing them.

It's pleasant to be bad vicariously. (not to exclude the pleasure of being 
good on occasion)

P.