Bill’s review of Trouble Follows Me > Likes and Comments
37 likes · Like
I gather that was Hannah Arendt's point--that people who accept a societal ideology are simply unable to think; they just accept the conventions. I haven't really read all about that, just a little, but I think that was her point.
Yeesh. One to avoid. Thank you for the review!
I accept your criticism as earned, but still worthy of consideration as a young writer (1946) emerging from WWII and commencing on his calling. As for the criticism on race, considering the times. I give the author credit for his recognition of the issue of race as a primary topic along with the espionage theme of the novel. While terms such as “any intelligent negro” is certainly unacceptable to today’s parlance it would go without criticism by the progressive theories of the times. Rather I give the author great credit for opening the door for the examination of racial inequalities and the root causes of the times. When Ensign Drake engages the porter on the train, what ensues is a very “intelligent” discussion on race, and on the good and bad of both races. It is no accident, that the author takes pains to show the hesitation of the intelligent black man to talk candidly with a white. Also, the transformation of your fawning humble servant to an “intelligent” and thoughtful social observer was a requirement of the times. Take note, Duke Ellington’s A portrait of Bert Williams, google Bert if you want further insight on this historical and societal truth…the author did and dug it, and wove it into his story.
Larry wrote: "I accept your criticism as earned, but still worthy of consideration as a young writer (1946) emerging from WWII and commencing on his calling. As for the criticism on race, considering the times. ..."
Thanks for your intelligent observation. Maybe I was too hard on MacDonald, probably because I admire and love his later novels so much. Just to let you know: I not only love Duke Ellington and the little tone-poem by him that you mentioned, but I LOVE Bert Williams, and have delighted in his comic recordings since a was a child.
back to top
date
newest »
newest »
I gather that was Hannah Arendt's point--that people who accept a societal ideology are simply unable to think; they just accept the conventions. I haven't really read all about that, just a little, but I think that was her point.
Yeesh. One to avoid. Thank you for the review!
I accept your criticism as earned, but still worthy of consideration as a young writer (1946) emerging from WWII and commencing on his calling. As for the criticism on race, considering the times. I give the author credit for his recognition of the issue of race as a primary topic along with the espionage theme of the novel. While terms such as “any intelligent negro” is certainly unacceptable to today’s parlance it would go without criticism by the progressive theories of the times. Rather I give the author great credit for opening the door for the examination of racial inequalities and the root causes of the times. When Ensign Drake engages the porter on the train, what ensues is a very “intelligent” discussion on race, and on the good and bad of both races. It is no accident, that the author takes pains to show the hesitation of the intelligent black man to talk candidly with a white. Also, the transformation of your fawning humble servant to an “intelligent” and thoughtful social observer was a requirement of the times. Take note, Duke Ellington’s A portrait of Bert Williams, google Bert if you want further insight on this historical and societal truth…the author did and dug it, and wove it into his story.
Larry wrote: "I accept your criticism as earned, but still worthy of consideration as a young writer (1946) emerging from WWII and commencing on his calling. As for the criticism on race, considering the times. ..." Thanks for your intelligent observation. Maybe I was too hard on MacDonald, probably because I admire and love his later novels so much. Just to let you know: I not only love Duke Ellington and the little tone-poem by him that you mentioned, but I LOVE Bert Williams, and have delighted in his comic recordings since a was a child.
Because of the degree to which it wasn't questioned. It was not even noticed. Just accepted as "true."
We must not forget to think and to question!