I was listening to an interview on NPR today with an author. The interviewer asked her which three literary books would she use to describe her life. I thought that was interesting, but I thought it even more interesting to try to figure out three literary characters who would describe you or your life. So, I put it to you, Languish, as some of the most well-read folks I know.
If you had to choose three literary characters to describe you and/or your life, which would you choose?
Will, a Game of Thrones.
He is the POV character of the prologue. He is also dead by the end of the prologue. He exists to die.
Jay Gatsby, less the money.
Any protagonist from the middle Houllebecq novels, that is neither Extension du domaine de la lutte nor La carte et le territoire. Less the money.
Hal Incandenza.
Somewhere in between Mat Cauthon's wild abandonment and Fezzik's gentle soul. The Watcher in my consciousness is reminiscent of Big Brother.
Tomacz in The Unbearable Lightness of Being.
Robert Jordan in For Whom the Bell Tolls.
Probably Ignatius J. Reilly.
I'm thinking maybe Hank Chinaski from Bukowski's novels. At least 10 years ago.
Now I am more like Josef K.
"I would prefer not to."
Pierre Bezukhov from War and Peace.
I thought about it, and I can't think of any. Then again. not author has ever talented enough to develop such a complex character.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on March 29, 2014, 07:26:19 AM
I thought about it, and I can't think of any. Then again. not author has ever talented enough to develop such a complex character.
I could picture you in something by Elmore Leonard. :P
For me I'd pick Doc from Cannery Row.
John Galt.
Just kidding.
Arthur Dent
Probably the writing on a packet of sugar that is in the little cup next to the napkin holder at an all night diner. You know the real sugar, not the yellow or blue packets, but the sugar packet. It is a bit crumpled, with a stain on one corner, like someone wanted to put it in their coffee but thought better of it and so it got jammed back into the cup.
Cat in the Hat
Yossarian
Quote from: Razgovory on March 29, 2014, 05:27:29 AM
Probably Ignatius J. Reilly.
:huh: It's obviously
Razkolnikov.
Haven't read enough books. :blush:
Quote from: Capetan Mihali on March 29, 2014, 03:29:30 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on March 29, 2014, 05:27:29 AM
Probably Ignatius J. Reilly.
:huh: It's obviously Razkolnikov.
While certainly disturbed, he's just not that funny.
QuoteRaskolnikov is a young ex-student of law living in extreme poverty in Saint Petersburg. He lives in a tiny garret which he rents, although due to a lack of funds has been avoiding payment for quite some time (he claims the room aggravates his depression). He sleeps on a couch using old clothes as a pillow, and due to lack of money eats very rarely, although the landlady sometimes sends her servant into his room with food. He is frequently referred to as a former student because he doesn't have the money to finish his education. Emotionally, physically (due to lack of food) and financially stressed, his behaviour in public becomes progressively more erratic through the book. Raskolnikov fluctuates between extremes of altruism and apathy. He is described by the narrator as "extremely handsome" and many other characters in the work state that he is very intelligent, though generally disliked by fellow students.
:)
So Crime and Punishment is a precursor to Rope? Cool.
It's too bad they didn't have 99 kopek 30-packs of Samuil's Club cookies back in 19th c. Saint Petersburg.
Charlie Brown
Darth Vader
with all this technology around, there's not enough time for books
Meri, this is a good thread idea.
I can't think of one. Perhaps this is a failing of literature? It seems there are a lot of representations of exceptional people, and average people, and down and out people, but not necessarily those that are somewhat between categories. Especially in a modern context.
If I wanted to be a smartass, I would say Alfred Russel was most like Jesus. What was said was generally non controversial, the general message would get little argument, scant biographical information was provided, but in the end it was all bullshit.
Speaker-to-Animals
Quote from: grumbler on March 31, 2014, 08:28:40 AM
Darth Vader
grumbler's been known to choke the shit out of a flag officer or two with his mind from time to time.
Quote from: grumbler on March 31, 2014, 08:28:40 AM
Darth Vader
Good Lord, you are annoying now, If your teenage years were like Darth Vader's teenage years then you would be completely unbearable.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on March 31, 2014, 12:10:59 PM
grumbler's been known to choke the shit out of a flag officer or two with in his mind from time to time.
FYP. :(