The Hours has been quite switch of type of writing compared to the other books we have read in Lit. The writing is more excessable and contemporary, which makes it an easier and quicker read. For me, as the reader, I enjoy this style of writing much more because I do not have to overthink the story. Furthermore, Cunningham still uses figurative language and complex sentances to enhance the writing. This combination makes for a beautifully written, but easily read novel that went on to win awards and became quite popular.
Overall I am enjoying this book so far. I am not sure how the characters are going to meet/really interact, but it is getting there. The different settings (time and place) add to the contrasting personalities and lives of the characters. This also helps the reader to differentiate between Mrs. Woolf, Clarissa, and Laura Brown along with how to relate them. The direct connections between The Hours and Mrs. Dalloway makes reading this book even more worthwhile and deep. When the movie star in her trailer, maybe Meryl Streep or Vanessa Redgrave, the scene from Woolf's novel immediatly pops into my mind. This adds the importance and understanding of reading this. Along those lines, I have been enjoying how we read books in pairs almost. Madame Bovary and Flaubert's Parrot corresponded as do these two books I have been writing about. I would like to continue this coupling of books because I think it helps that they build upon one another and helps you understand each one individually and together.
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3 comments:
Thats a good point how the chapters broken up help you understand which character it is. Without that it would be a harder read.
I agree completely we don't know how the characters are going to interact but we do have an idea because this book relates so much to Mrs. Dalloway which we have read already
Mackenzie,
It's "accessible" (not excessible), but your po0int is well taken. I agree with you that much of the charm in this book is its lovely prose style (which, though perhaps easier to read than the original novel, doesn't seem 'dumbed down' in any way--wouldn't you agree?).
I'm also glad that you're enjoying this pairing of books (you've got one more 'pair' to enjoy when we move on to Hamlet and Rosencrantz).
Anyway, a good post! I'm glad you're enjoying the book and am anxious to hear what you think of its conclusion!
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