I am curious about what is the "about" of this tetralogy. The role of art in human lives? Plot? Characters? Beautiful writing? You've mentioned all of them....
Glad you noticed the illustration. I wanted to do overlapping transparencies of the three other images, but it was taking too much time.
About the "about," you could be asking two different things. (1) What would my theory of aboutness say about it? and (2) What is the tetralogy about? For question #1, it remains to be seen (that's a serious answer, even if it sounds flippant). As for question #2, I love all four of these books because they are rich in overtones and associations. So rich, in fact, that every reader will produce a unique work of art by the very act of reading. If you were to start reading it, within the first page you would be awash in your own memories and imagery, almost all of them different from mine. That sort of book makes for totally unpredictable conversations and a very rewarding study. The deeper you dig into it, the more treasures you discover. For instance, when Arnie started rereading it, he noticed Durrell's frequent mention of mirrors. That detail had totally escaped me, but, once I started "reflecting" on it, all sorts of thoughts occurred to me, such as the way the characters frequently saw one person as merely a reflection of another. I hope this addresses your question somewhat.
Interesting illustration at the top of the post.
I am curious about what is the "about" of this tetralogy. The role of art in human lives? Plot? Characters? Beautiful writing? You've mentioned all of them....
Glad you noticed the illustration. I wanted to do overlapping transparencies of the three other images, but it was taking too much time.
About the "about," you could be asking two different things. (1) What would my theory of aboutness say about it? and (2) What is the tetralogy about? For question #1, it remains to be seen (that's a serious answer, even if it sounds flippant). As for question #2, I love all four of these books because they are rich in overtones and associations. So rich, in fact, that every reader will produce a unique work of art by the very act of reading. If you were to start reading it, within the first page you would be awash in your own memories and imagery, almost all of them different from mine. That sort of book makes for totally unpredictable conversations and a very rewarding study. The deeper you dig into it, the more treasures you discover. For instance, when Arnie started rereading it, he noticed Durrell's frequent mention of mirrors. That detail had totally escaped me, but, once I started "reflecting" on it, all sorts of thoughts occurred to me, such as the way the characters frequently saw one person as merely a reflection of another. I hope this addresses your question somewhat.
Very illuminating answer to #2. Thanks! I may even consider reading the tetralogy now (grin).
Aw, shucks. I bet you say that to all the posters.
Robert: what a masterful reflection. I am stunned--in a good way. Part envy but largely awe. These reflections are pearls beyond price.