A blog about literary and genre writing and the spaces between, as well as myth, culture, destiny, and other Serious Stuff.
June 12, 2009
The Great Escape
Lately I’ve been reading The Wild Wood by Charles de Lint, an extraordinary writer whose fiction incorporates myth and magic from many cultures into the “real” world. Today I turned the book over and saw the reviews on the back cover, the first of which read:
“He shows that, far from being mere escapism, contemporary fantasy can be the deep mythic literature of our time.” - The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction
I was struck by the fact that, even while praising the book, the reviewer felt the need to defend it against the label of “escapism.” It reminded me how frequently I’ve heard that term used to describe genre fiction, and fantasy in particular. And how often it’s paired with the disparaging “mere,” implying trifling works, of no lasting import, barely worth wasting time on.
How strange, to be so dismissive of works created primarily by and for the imagination. After all, fiction is supposed to be – well – fictional. As in, Making Things Up. And yet many arbiters of Serious Fiction seem to think that the more a piece of fiction diverges from the mundane and everyday, or the particular knowledge and experience of the writer, the less valuable it becomes.
I’ve always been puzzled by the “escapism” epithet. As a child, I fell in love with storybooks not because they took me away from somewhere, but because of all the places they took me to. Oz. A railroad town in 1880s South Dakota. The riverbank under the willows, where Toad and Ratty lived. Pirate ships and South Sea islands, cabins and castles and suburban neighborhoods.
The stories that stayed with me were the ones that left me feeling I had actually been to the world of the book and experienced it with the characters – and, most important, that I knew what it was like.
I knew what it was like to be a young woman in 16th-century England, where following the approved religion one day might be cause for execution the next, and any friend, neighbor or servant might be the one to turn me in. I knew what it was like to travel through Jacobite Scotland, dodging English patrols and mourning as a centuries-old way of life was destroyed forever. What it was like to take the shape of a hawk and hover high on an updraft, to plummet down and feel the hot blood in my throat as I tore into my prey. To hold the fate of armies in my hands, and to make decisions of life and death for thousands of souls. To struggle to do right when there was no right choice, or to succumb to evil and the lure of unlimited power. To rise up against slavery and suffering, or to take a human life.
Reading, of course, is not the same as doing. Maybe I don’t really know what any of those things are like. Even so, what could be more life-expanding and life-enriching than to inhabit the mind of a person who isn’t me, in a place or time I will never visit, that perhaps never existed or will exist, and be able to imagine it so strongly that it lives in my mind with a quality and intensity that matches my actual memories?
What could be more valuable, in these days of global interdependence and global conflict, than practicing being inside the skin of someones – or somethings – who are as different from us as they can possibly be? To think the way they think, to see the world from their background and point of view? To become – however briefly – the Other that we fear?
Of course, there’s still the question – why fantasy? Why expand our experiences to include beings and worlds that exist purely in the imagination?
Perhaps because fantasy literature reminds us that we are not the center of the universe. It suggests that the world exists on its own terms and not simply in relation to humans – that the spirits of raging seas and shadowed woodlands do not answer to us. That there are mysteries we will never understand and forces we will never conquer – and it allows us, if we are willing, to experience the universe from a point of view other than our own.
I too can't understand the problem with literature as escape. One problem seems to lie in equating escape with escapism. Somehow attaching that -ism makes it a bad thing. But true escape is a deeply human need and literature provides it, as you suggest, in a particularly stimulating, interactive way. My biggest goal as a writer is have readers escape with me into the worlds I create.
Because I remember JRRT had an amazing quote on this subject and I have no idea where the notebook might be in which I scribbled it down, I just Googled "Tolkien on escapism" to see if I could pull it up on the Internet. What came up? Among other articles for and against JRRT, an article by David Brin on Salon.com called "Tolkien, Enemy of Progress" that says, "Of course, there is much more to this work than mere fantasy escapism. . . ." A brief skim indicates the article is somewhat less anti-Tolkien than the title implies, but the point is, you have correctly identified a nugget in today's literary discourse that many writers and critics seem to take for granted. If it's escapism, it is mere. Never mind that fiction is inherently not reality. Never mind that all the same themes that matter to us in daily life can be made relevant in fantasy worlds. It's pretty silly when you look closely. I love your remarks about focusing on where we travel to. Thanks for the great post!
As you've pointed out, what could be a more valuable skill in our globalised society than the ability to imagine another's perspective? We're never going to empathise with others if we can't imagine how they feel or how they would react. We can't be another person any more than we can be the character in a story, but I'm willing to wager that those who have practiced "escaping" into fiction (or even biography) are better able to empathise with the people around them, whether traveling the world or making the most of their own back yards.
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If the sun trading Nash, I think it won't. Because any deal without any doubt will give young players, the draft or cap space huge pressure. This a moment, this will mean more losses. But with such a popular and respected player to break up, the sun to the future with greater costs to make up.cheap nike air max shoes, cheap nike air max 90,nike air max 2012, cheap nike air max
Advantage: warriors have backcourt tower-Ellis and Stephen garage has is a pair of scoring machine, but equally important, start players better itself, but to improve on teamwork. Now the draft for the warriors Thompson clay provides the defense high, and it is also create trading the chance to choose. Within a few years it will have a positive influence. Even if these won't immediately forward for the team's victory, but at least make many years to bear defeat fans in feeling better.
Challenge: like everyone in the said last year, constantly a year ago a year ago : defense and rebounding all need dramatic increase, before that, the mighty won't be any honor consideration object, no chance to into the playoffs, let alone in the playoffs.Herve Leger, Herve Leger on sale, authentic Herve Leger, wholesale Herve Leger, cheap Herve Leger
Prospects: enthusiasm is understandable. Warriors are making progress, they changed the team's culture, whether scenes they do great efforts. But in the playoffs and the new coach mark Jackson guarantee are two different things, golden state, need to change in the new season of the huge win more 12 victories to is expected to make the playoffs.
Replace new coach is always in the transitional period. How much more now of the manager never has any team in any game, even as a teaching assistant all have no, even the university have game in charge. Say to the challenge, mark Jackson experienced one of the most unusual offseason, no summer league, no training camp, he needed to fly into the air before considering their own direction.
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UGG Bailey Button : This is indeed a unique version in so many fashionable UGG collections. The reason why UGG Bailey Button Triplet boots make so many people obsessed in that its unique fashionable appearance can show people's open and sexy side of personality. As its name suggests, the bailey-like appearance conveys a retro sense, thus, it is indispensable to fashion girls. It also represents a multi-functional UGG Plumdale boots style because it can collocate with everything in a practical and aesthetical way.
The UGG Retro Cargo is a freshly updated version of the beloved Cargo. It has a super-edgy, urban hardness to the design, but still offers the softness and comfort on the inside that is the signature feel of an UGG. You can get that combat style without compromising warmth and comfort. It will make you want to bring out your inner, gritty artist, and stomp in UGG Tularosa style, conjuring up your favorite Girl-Drummer in a Raucous Garage Band alternate universe you!
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I too can't understand the problem with literature as escape. One problem seems to lie in equating escape with escapism. Somehow attaching that -ism makes it a bad thing. But true escape is a deeply human need and literature provides it, as you suggest, in a particularly stimulating, interactive way. My biggest goal as a writer is have readers escape with me into the worlds I create.
Because I remember JRRT had an amazing quote on this subject and I have no idea where the notebook might be in which I scribbled it down, I just Googled "Tolkien on escapism" to see if I could pull it up on the Internet. What came up? Among other articles for and against JRRT, an article by David Brin on Salon.com called "Tolkien, Enemy of Progress" that says, "Of course, there is much more to this work than mere fantasy escapism. . . ." A brief skim indicates the article is somewhat less anti-Tolkien than the title implies, but the point is, you have correctly identified a nugget in today's literary discourse that many writers and critics seem to take for granted. If it's escapism, it is mere. Never mind that fiction is inherently not reality. Never mind that all the same themes that matter to us in daily life can be made relevant in fantasy worlds. It's pretty silly when you look closely. I love your remarks about focusing on where we travel to. Thanks for the great post!
As you've pointed out, what could be a more valuable skill in our globalised society than the ability to imagine another's perspective? We're never going to empathise with others if we can't imagine how they feel or how they would react. We can't be another person any more than we can be the character in a story, but I'm willing to wager that those who have practiced "escaping" into fiction (or even biography) are better able to empathise with the people around them, whether traveling the world or making the most of their own back yards.
louis vuitton outlet the worth which the louis vuitton bags gives may be a little component of totally equallylouis vuitton luggage amazing quality. Possibly arrives louis vuitton shoes factory outlet from a single in the mesh place store in the product or service backlog, louis vuitton wallets or could possibly occur from this full product sales design obsolete style and design Coach Factory Outlet Online.
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Advantage: you said he old, he says he has experience. If the lakers know how to win a championship, or at least, not so fast are kicked out of the playoffs, then they should also know how to return to the past nba jerseys , cheap nba shoes , nba basketball jerseys,cheap nba jerseys. It was a little bit of a volcano, need to be in a fire under its they lit, the lakers in the western conference in Dallas will be how to respond, this will be the lakers return the thread of the story.Wholesale nba Jerseys,Wholesale NFL Jerseys , NBA Jerseys , NFL Throwback Jerseys,cheap NBA Jerseys. Any member of the team, including kobe Bryant, pau gasol and Lamar odom and Andrew bynum are supposed to blame.cheap nike air max , nike air max 90 , nike air max ltd , cheap nike air max shoes
Challenge: phil Jackson system of the lakers is a veteran of the leading team, and now they are going through to the new coach mike brown, the process of change. There is no doubt that now was the lakers' setting, this need two months time to adapt, need more regular season games to increase the toughness of the team. cheap NFL Jerseys , New York Jets NFL Jerseys , New England Patriots NFL Jerseys , New York Giants NFL Jerseys,wholesale NFL Jerseys If health problems like that again forced Bryant missed training last words, so the lakers will face the challenge of double.cheap jordan shoes,nike air max 24/7 , cheap air max 90 , nike air max 2011
Prospects: although playoff record not beautiful, but the lakers is still a can win to win 50 games team, will be one of the western influence factors, until then these proved wrong so far. Playoff sweep Dallas is a curse, and now the lakers have plenty of time to prove that is the wrong time bad moments.Cheap Air Max 2012 , Nike Air Max 24/7 , Cheap Air Max 90,Cheap Air Max shoes
The lakers are one of the few alliance to come up many sets of one of the squad team, to a certain extent in the place of last season that may be not very practical.Cheap nfl jerseys,
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Advantage: even without success, but their fame in judah. The sun still have the old Nash, is still one of the attack strength in the league one of the team. But they are no longer as high score fierce fire, the SUNS last season ranked seventh shooting, from three came in fourth.cheap nfl jerseys,cheap nba jerseys,
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Challenge: coach Irwin-gold-John terry will be positioning for defense team fundamental key, the sun is the most respected into his from regret. Anyone can because this sudden change and wholesale authentic jerseys,
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cheap authentic nfl jerseyssurprised, gold terry first discovered the wrong direction. In addition, rebound of the recent changes more than has been soft rib.
Prospects: let the sun's games a Nash television audience favour of object, so they target will become the topic with entertaining. If successful, this will be another much-told story. The sun can still get 40 games victory, but will still be the second season impact on the way to the playoffs in the fall. They make the playoffs at most into the possibility of only five.
If the sun trading Nash, I think it won't. Because any deal without any doubt will give young players, the draft or cap space huge pressure. This a moment, this will mean more losses. But with such a popular and respected player to break up, the sun to the future with greater costs to make up.cheap nike air max shoes,
cheap nike air max 90,nike air max 2012,
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Advantage: warriors have backcourt tower-Ellis and Stephen garage has is a pair of scoring machine, but equally important, start players better itself, but to improve on teamwork. Now the draft for the warriors Thompson clay provides the defense high, and it is also create trading the chance to choose. Within a few years it will have a positive influence. Even if these won't immediately forward for the team's victory, but at least make many years to bear defeat fans in feeling better.
Challenge: like everyone in the said last year, constantly a year ago a year ago : defense and rebounding all need dramatic increase, before that, the mighty won't be any honor consideration object, no chance to into the playoffs, let alone in the playoffs.Herve Leger,
Herve Leger on sale,
authentic Herve Leger,
wholesale Herve Leger,
cheap Herve Leger
Prospects: enthusiasm is understandable. Warriors are making progress, they changed the team's culture, whether scenes they do great efforts. But in the playoffs and the new coach mark Jackson guarantee are two different things, golden state, need to change in the new season of the huge win more 12 victories to is expected to make the playoffs.
Replace new coach is always in the transitional period. How much more now of the manager never has any team in any game, even as a teaching assistant all have no, even the university have game in charge. Say to the challenge, mark Jackson experienced one of the most unusual offseason, no summer league, no training camp, he needed to fly into the air before considering their own direction.
UGG Kensington has set off a worldwide epidemic fashion snow boots. As an important mainstay of fashionable UGG lineup, numerous UGG fans are willing to stay for UGG Kenly. Every UGG fans who can spend time on UGG Knightsbridge can find assorted styles of over the calf shafts UGG Fox Fur boots in a variety of sizes and colors. The trend in 2010 has let the numerous UGG fans taste the unique style of fashion UGG Delaine. In fact, they are like this at any time.
UGG Classic Short : UGG boots conveys a kind of simple but classic beauty to its fans. Sleek and streamlined appearance makes this boot suitable for women at all ages from around the world. In addition to adult women, kids also can pamper their feet through slightly slip their feet into this UGG Classic Cardy, Australia classic short has a wide range of colors for consumers to choose from, from bright orange to brown, to the ever classic black. UGG Classic Tall boots' various collocation effect is another reason why numerous fashionistas are so obsessed to it. Wearing UGG Classic Mini boots, you just need matching them with a pair of tight jean or a pleated skirt and any skinny pant. These simple clothing can assist you to be the focal spot of the street.
UGG Bailey Button : This is indeed a unique version in so many fashionable UGG collections. The reason why UGG Bailey Button Triplet boots make so many people obsessed in that its unique fashionable appearance can show people's open and sexy side of personality. As its name suggests, the bailey-like appearance conveys a retro sense, thus, it is indispensable to fashion girls. It also represents a multi-functional UGG Plumdale boots style because it can collocate with everything in a practical and aesthetical way.
The UGG Retro Cargo is a freshly updated version of the beloved Cargo. It has a super-edgy, urban hardness to the design, but still offers the softness and comfort on the inside that is the signature feel of an UGG. You can get that combat style without compromising warmth and comfort. It will make you want to bring out your inner, gritty artist, and stomp in UGG Tularosa style, conjuring up your favorite Girl-Drummer in a Raucous Garage Band alternate universe you!
These days, the demand for UGG UK boots is immense as they are the two practical as nicely as fashionable. UGG Amberlee has an substantial range of UGG Roslynn boots which are suitable for each season and environment. The UGG Montclair from UGG are available for guys, girls and even youngsters. So each member in your household can get a pair of their option.
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The diaphragm of the Beats Sale Online and magnets no electrostatic headset diaphragm that light, but there are also big vibration area and similar sound quality, it as moving coil headphones for high efficiency, and it is not easy to drive.
In our life road,we would classic ugg boots experience many kinds of things and meet many ugg boots online diffferent people.These all will accompany us to live our life and they are put our life’s treasure ugg boots for women boxes.In my treasure box,families,friends and those friendly strangers will be a necessary to exsit.Thanks to UGG classic short boots these good and important partners.Becuse the exsitence of them,my life is more falt,wonderful and UGG classic tall boots happy.Families and friends send more warm to us in time when are eager to get them;The friendly strangers are glad UGG bailey button boots to help you without any condition that let feel the world is filled with many diferent love.Just the classic ugg women boots is best companions in such fox fur boots a cold weather.
Once,when I would gratuated,my friend of mine wrote some words in my waterproof uggs message board,and she said,”our friendship is so precious that I must put it into my treasure box,and I will value it forever even though we can’t be together all that kids ugg boots time later”.Indeed,it will be our beautiful memory forever and we can’t forget it.Just the nike air max 2012 shoes will be put into my shoe’s box.
Life’s treasure box,it is so important and presious when we need it.Meanwhile,it still bring us more senses of demand and happiness even though it will not be needed at some time.My lif;s treasure classic tall boots boxes,I will more value them.
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