We are continually amazed at how the universe provides. For example, we’ve spent the last week thinking about adultery (not about commiting adultery, but about the emotional and physical aspects because we wanted to get inside a character who would cheat). We’ve also thought about readers who refuse to read about adultery — rather than treating it as an exercise, they choose to avoid the subject much as they’d pretend death and destruction don’t occur. Sadi Ranson-Polizzotti takes a long, well-considered look at adultery in literature and in our culture. Her conclusions are not necessarily ours (because we’re looking at the subject differently), but her analysis does make us want to sit and think. About adultery. Again.
Truth in Fiction
June 7th, 2004 · 2 Comments
by Booksquare
File Under: Books/Mags/Blogs
2 responses so far ↓
srp // Jul 1, 2004 at 3:45 pm
glad you found that piece interesting. how is your character coming along? i have a ton of research on adultery if you’re interested that hasn’t been posted – if you’re looking for a character composite and need any stats etc. , let me know, though you probably have it well in hand.
this was an interesting piece to write: de salvo’s theory is that reading about adultery can lead to adultery – i tend to think that nothing can make you do something that you’re not already inclined to do. if you’re dead set against it, no book is going to make you turn against yourself. if, on the other hand, you’re already toying with the idea, then a romanticised version of adultery is bound to have some affect on you if you are already so inclined — because in fiction, it is just that — it’s fiction. all too often, it doesn’t cover adultery as it really and truly is. it doesn’t always speak to the hurt and the pain and the deceit involved. as i said, it’s just over-romanticized and that is misleading, because in reality, there is nothing romantic about adultery; it’s messy, painful, and it just brings out the worst side of who we can (all) be if we allow it… if anything, the goal for me is to bring us back around to a more realistic look and see the very real devastation it brings.
annyyyway. thanks for the comment. glad you found this interesting.
cheers
srp
sadi ranson-polizzotti // Feb 16, 2005 at 4:59 pm
great site – how does one exchange links with you, if you do that? i’d gladly reciprocate – great site. please be in touch… sadi ranson-polizzotti. thanks.