TRTR(I.3) Hidden Profits [Epigraph]

[Paul Mackin]

On 4/29/2011 1:46 PM, David Morris wrote:
> It was the overly-stereotypical dialogue of the various members of the
> NYC (what I call) Whole Sick Crew that put me off last time I read TR.
>   It's got to be satire, but not necessarily friendly satire.  It seems
> very likely to me that V's Whole Sick Crew was inspired by this one in
> TR.  And TRP's depiction of homosexuality in GR isn't too friendly
> either.  I think men in their eras were a lot less at ease with
> homosexuality in general
>
Is it a good idea, though, to judge art (in this case literary writing) 
on the basis of fairness to minorities, or majorities for that matter?

In discussions of TR the word authenticity is often in the fore.  Mark 
alluded to Trilling's Sincerity and Authenticity.   It's more than just 
that art isn't meant to teach good behavior.  It's that art itself is 
not good behavior.  In fact it is almost certainly bad behavior.  (in a 
manner of speaking) Bad behavior can hurt.

The good news is we can appreciate it without having to act it out.  Or 
bring it home to the children.

In life it's a good idea not to be too authentic.

That's  the way I see it.  (not everyone does)

P




> David Morris
>
> On Fri, Apr 29, 2011 at 12:37 PM, rich<richard.romeo at gmail.com>  wrote:
>> if only to play up those who aren't what they seem. if memory serves,
>> The Swede is married but is a flamer
>>
>> but it's so clearly satirical--it doesn't seem malicious on gaddis' part (i.e. its what these people do that Gaddis mocks not who they are) at least thats how I see it