Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Parrot=Humor

Flaubert's Parrot illustrates Flaubert as a much more vibrant person than we've actually seen though his literary work, Madame Bovary. In contrast to Madame Bovary, a book that follows all the rules and barely steps out of line for a moment, even when depicting a dirty adultress scene, Flaubert's Parrot goes as far as to talk about Flaubert's sexual compentency, which, if he doesn't say so himself, is quite impressive. There is a point in which Flaubert (or at least this point is recalled) bashes his novel and wishes for all copies to be burned and never seen again. Agreed Mister Flaubert, agreed. Julian Barnes, although I am slightly skeptical of his motives for writing such an in depth piece on Flaubert, is a very talented author. Talented, not by ways of magical descriptions, but just because of the realationship he demands from his readers. In the begining, he bores us ever so gently with blah-blah nonsense realating to Mr. F and parrots and what have you, then switches the song mid-way-through to some amazing beat we've never heard before, with cronology antics. Beauty. The third chapter, utterly marvelous, is just more comedy in informational form, although I have no clue where he's headed, it's beautiful. Now, fellow bloggers, the bell has rung, and my Pavlonian response urges me to run for the door! Until I can get to my laptop, sincerely yours, Lindsey

2 comments:

dogs down under said...

I agree about the humor part...i am still a little skeptical about the novel. I know that as of right now it's not supposed to have a theme or a point but I am starting to get lost with all of Barnes' babbling. I don't know...maybe it'll get better. It is much more humorous than the other books we've read.

David Lavender said...

Great post! I'm too busy just now with essays and all to comment at length, but keep those good insights coming!