I'd love to see a college course based on two novels: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy and Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray.
The purpose of the class wouldn't be to analyze writing styles, symbolism or hidden indications of the author's prejudice or childhood. It would be to explore the rich insights about people that can be found in each novel.
I think I'm a reasonably perceptive person and yet I've often found myself setting Tolstoy aside and saying, "Wow." Thackeray's characters can be found in any generation and yet he has a keen eye for each strength and weakness.
Let's expand the list. Are there any novels which you believe go above and beyond when it comes to providing valuable insights into people?
2 comments:
Wow, if only all English professors taught the human truths to be found in novels rather than the technical trick novelists use, the world might be wiser.
Julius Caesar and Othello are two great examples of how Shakespeare illustrated the things which motivate men, and can be manipulated by others - Brutus was manipulated through his altruism just as Othello was through his possessiveness. Not a novel but a good biography of Lincoln, “Team of Rivals” shows how Lincoln turned the same trick on his political opponents, learning what levers to pull to get them to do his work for him brilliantly.
Moby Dick is a fascinating study of how a captive group of sailors came under the sway of a monomaniacal madman. All the Kings Men isn’t quite so extreme, but does illustrate the power a charismatic leader can have on those around him, pushing them to do things they aren’t comfortable with through the power of personality.
Dan,
Those are great examples.
Michael
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