Monday, November 3, 2008
The grapevine...
So, word on the street is that several of us aren't quite done reading, yet. So I'm guessing we want to extend this book through to next month? We're still planning on meeting this Saturday, either way (last I heard), so I'm sure we'll have a better idea by then. And Kat, why on earth should Butcher do more research on naming his characters...?!
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"The test of real literature is that it will bear repetition. We read over the same pages again and again, and always with fresh delight." ~Samual McChord Crothers
May Becca forgive my lack of proper punctuation and poor grammar:)
I'm just saying for the cohesiveness of his alternative world, he should have researched his names (among other things in this book) better, instead of just picking whatever sounded good at the time. The reason why LOTR stands the test of time, and is considered a classic, instead of just pop-fiction, is because of the historical and philological back work put into them. Tolkien had a wealth of knowledge in mythology and languages, which he brought to LOTR. He also used LOTR to fill in gaps in the existing mythology (in texts like Beowolf and The Prose Edda, there are undefined creatures - which Tolkien gives characteristics to. Even in The Hobbit, all the dwarves names - as well as Gandalfs name - are taken from the Dvergatal). Tolkien used Norse or Northern mythos throughout The Hobbit and LOTR, without deviating to Greek or Roman source material - and that is why it's the defining piece of fantasy of the 20th century. That is also why there are classes and scholars dedicated to the study of Tolkiens writings, and why Tolkien casts such a large shadow in fantasy, that modern writers STILL have to come to terms with. In a interview I read, Jim Butcher said he wanted to wait to write a convincing fantasy, which is why he wrote the Dresden Files first. With that kind of desire, it made me think he might put some work into his world,and not just hodge-podging it together. Does that answer your question?
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