Why write about this? It is an historical novel, true. So what? Why did he choose this history to novelize, this obscure history? He says there is no "point" to the violence in the novel. So what's the point of the novel, violence for violence's sake?
Why is there a blood competition among writers of fiction? What was the point of the macabre As I Lay Dying? That didn't happen. As I Lay Dying was not a historical novel. What was Hemingway's point, the baby and then Catherine Barkley dying to conclude A Farewell to Arms? Catherine Barkley was taken from real life. She did not die birthing Hemingway's child, nor did the child, nor was there a child. That was all Hemingway's idea for a swell way to end a novel. Death and pain by choice, for their own sakes. Is this really as good as it gets?
Carol Connelly: OK, we all have these terrible stories to get over, and you-...
Melvin Udall: It's not true. Some of us have great stories, pretty stories that take place at lakes with boats and friends and noodle salad. Just no one in this car. But, a lot of people, that's their story. Good times, noodle salad.
Why is there a blood competition among writers of fiction? What was the point of the macabre As I Lay Dying? That didn't happen. As I Lay Dying was not a historical novel. What was Hemingway's point, the baby and then Catherine Barkley dying to conclude A Farewell to Arms? Catherine Barkley was taken from real life. She did not die birthing Hemingway's child, nor did the child, nor was there a child. That was all Hemingway's idea for a swell way to end a novel. Death and pain by choice, for their own sakes. Is this really as good as it gets?
Carol Connelly: OK, we all have these terrible stories to get over, and you-...
Melvin Udall: It's not true. Some of us have great stories, pretty stories that take place at lakes with boats and friends and noodle salad. Just no one in this car. But, a lot of people, that's their story. Good times, noodle salad.
