the use of quotations

[carlin08]

The last three novels that I read (_The Bluest Eye_, _Cold Mountain_, and _No Country for Old Men_) do not put character dialogue in quotations. I was wondering if there is a reason for this.

[JBI]

It sounds biblical, as the bible didn't use quotes. Thereby it creates a more apocalyptic, Gothic feel. At least, that is why I think McCarthy doesn't use quotes in Blood Meridian - not sure about No Country for Old Men.

[Charles Darnay]

I haven't read any of these works so I cannot say anything for their specific cases, but when I've encountered the no quotes it has been in first person narrative stories: the effect being that the story is told through that one character and others' quotes are paraphrased by that narrator.

[mayneverhave]

According to James Joyce, quotation marks are eye-sores.

[carlin08]

Hmmm...so it could be a stylistic thing, or carry biblical connotations. The synopsis on the back of _No Country for Old Men_ says that the text encompasses "themes as ancient as the Bible," so this supports your statement JBI. And, perhaps, you could says that Inman's journey in _Cold Mountain_ is like a religious experience. Religion certainly has a role in the story, but I did not pay particularly close attention to these religious sections to formulate an opinion regarding what they might mean.

JBI, I was wondering if you could elaborate on what you said in your post about the lack of quotations creating "a more apocalyptic, Gothic feel." I'm not sure I understand how the absence of quotations can create this, and I'm very interested in hearing what you have to say on the matter (as well as anyone else who wants to chime in).

By the way, great quote from Joyce mayneverhave.