Is it really true that the novel is not a tool for social betterment? Not the normative question of whether it should be or not but the simple factual question of whether it is or not. Historically novels have in fact sparked social change.
-
Show this thread
-
Replying to @HeerJeet
I think all novels are political &some novels can cause us to rethink norms/ideas etc., but I think the Moshfegh quote is resonating bc people are reading differently, approaching story in a moralistic way, asking limiting questions like "are the characters good or relatable?"
1 reply 0 retweets 10 likes -
Replying to @zoewhittall
Yeah, readers looking for obvious messages do a disservice to fiction. I'm just wary of not recognizing that any serious novel isn't, on some level however indirect, an argument with the world.
3 replies 1 retweet 14 likes -
Replying to @HeerJeet
I think an argument with the world is a great thing to aim for, but again I think she’s responding to a conservative shift in the marketing of and reception to fiction, one that may prize polemics & moralism over form, style, depth of character, artfulness. Idk!
1 reply 0 retweets 8 likes
Absolutely agree those are the foes that are the real target of her comments -- and they are rightly to be opposed.
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.