Quote:
Originally Posted by Ea
Do you think you might have these feelings and idea about this book beacuse of your background? I.e. do you think someone like me, from a rather different background would get as much out of the story? For one thing, I don't have a deep knowledge of American history or sensitivity to racial issues.
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Yes, I do think my background gives a certain view toward an understanding of Southern Writer's concerns. I suppose, because I feel a "connection" to the South's issues, such as prejudice (Southern) and the attendant political and social issues of the South, that I feel this connection.
I also like
Saul Bellow, but as much as I admire his work, I can never identity with him in the same way I identify with the South. The
North that Bellow writes about is a country I will never be able to understand.
I think your question is a very good question, but I'm really unable to answer it. There's a whole "Southern Culture" thing that exists in the South to this day. To penetrate the culture of the South is, in my opinion, something one has to live. On a humorous note, it also has to do with the understanding of rednecks and trailer trash.
As a suggestion, you might try reading "
To Kill A Mockingbird," by
Harper Lee. It's categorized as a
Southern Gothic, but it deals with - and forgive me if you already know this - issues of racial injustice. Actually, there are many themes present in the book, not the least of which is Courage. Although it takes place during the 1930s, its themes are universal, which is the reason it is studied and admired to this day.
I hope my response has been helpful.
Don