Martin has been compared to Tolkien. The depth and richness of his world make that claim plausible. In every narrative nook is another mystery, another layered plot for conspiracy enthusiasts to savor. That, at least, is part of the attraction of the series: its inscrutable narrative density. Yet in many respects, Martin's stories have more in common with Machiavelli's Prince than with Tolkien's tales of Middle Earth. Political realists have been quick to catch on to this affinity—Foreign Policy even ran a feature on Martin's realism and its insights for international politics. When asked if he thought his books were too cynical, Martin simply responded "they are realistic."
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Eerie realism …
… The Return of the Dragons | Books and Culture.
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This is a really filtered view of Martin's world and writing. It presumes a great deal about the author's intents and motivations. We don't know the ending of the story yet, so hope isn't irrelevant even if all seems bleak. Isn't that what living a good life is anyway: doing the right thing just because it's the right thing?
ReplyDeleteSorry, I'll side with Martin rather than these Millennials any day. Furthermore, I far prefer apokatastasis over their assumed apocalypse.