Halls of the Dark Muse

Hello Dark Muse.

I also quite like that quote. It is nicely phrased and has some humour in it. I have yet to read any novels by Atwood, I read one or two of her stories though. I do have Oryx & Crake in my book case but have not read it yet. I want to, because I have heard highly positive things of her and quite enjoyed the story/stories I read.

To respond to what you say about The Hunger Games, it has been a while since I have read them so I have to ask: are you sure they "make fun" of frivolous people? What I feel like would be more fitting to say is that they ("they" being Katniss and her surroundings because of the mode of narration) look upon the frivolous people of the Capitol with amazement and disgust because of their habits and what they can afford. Because of the state of poverty district 12 and most other districts are in, I find it weird to imagine them proper making fun of the fact that the Capitol is swimming in money, food and clothing while they have to hunt to get enough food together. What is your perception on this, since you are reading them right now?

Have fun reading, by the way!

Evo

I read this, chuckled and agreed with some things said.
And then I continued reading The Iliad.

Originally Posted by EvoWarrior5

Hello Dark Muse.

I also quite like that quote. It is nicely phrased and has some humour in it. I have yet to read any novels by Atwood, I read one or two of her stories though. I do have Oryx & Crake in my book case but have not read it yet. I want to, because I have heard highly positive things of her and quite enjoyed the story/stories I read.

To respond to what you say about The Hunger Games, it has been a while since I have read them so I have to ask: are you sure they "make fun" of frivolous people? What I feel like would be more fitting to say is that they ("they" being Katniss and her surroundings because of the mode of narration) look upon the frivolous people of the Capitol with amazement and disgust because of their habits and what they can afford. Because of the state of poverty district 12 and most other districts are in, I find it weird to imagine them proper making fun of the fact that the Capitol is swimming in money, food and clothing while they have to hunt to get enough food together. What is your perception on this, since you are reading them right now?

Have fun reading, by the way!

Evo

I consider Atwood to be one of my favorite writers though it is true I do have a hate/love relationship with some of her books. Some of the things she writes I think are really, really good but at the same time some of her books fall a bit flat with me, or at least I fail to connect with. But she is worth reading I think. I really enjoyed Oryx and Crake..

In regards to the Hunger Games yes, I think you are right about the characters. I do believe that Katniss does respond more with a mix of disdain, disgust, and complete awe. More aptly I should have said that the author (and perhaps her audience as well) is making fun and being satirical of that portion of society that is overly concerned with fashion.

Originally Posted by North Star

I read this, chuckled and agreed with some things said.
And then I continued reading The Iliad.

Enjoy the reading

Well, the whole Hunger Games trilogy seems a bit of a mirror image of a lot of things that are going on in our culture right now, with the growing divide between the wealthy and the poor and the shrinking of the middle class, and the excesses of the 1%. I'm interested in looking decent and even well-dressed (by my standards) when I leave the house. That in no way means that I have a sense of style from this or any other age because sadly I do not. I look at the designers as artists, because that is really what they are. But people who are interested in only wearing clothes that have a designer label-not interesting. I do not want a Kate Spade bag-by the way, here's an interesting read:

http://www.slate.com/articles/busine...obscenely.html


Or a Coach bag-why do people even think they're attractive? Or Jimmy Choo shoes, etc., etc. But as with the open design of most houses today with their stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops, these are all markers of success. I have different markers, but on the whole people are heavily influenced by the culture around them. It's hard to escape the pull of it's gravity. I like the quote (and I loved Oryx and Crake). I think there's some truth to that, but mostly if that's ALL one is interested in or if people are insistent on using that as a judgement on others, then I definitely find that shallow. And in the case of the latter, I have just two words for you. But as to the archaeology aspect of it, here's a quote from ancient Rome: "Vestis virum reddit." Or "Clothes make the man," (Quintilianus). So it's also a perception that's been around a long, long time, just as has the clash between the classes.