Of course I disagree. If the narrative is written well enough, then nothing should distract the reader! However, it depends on the way the reader chooses to interpret the story. If a reader has background knowledge of the writer, and decides to look for the association between the protagonist and its creator, then yes, I would go as far to say that these connections would distract the reader from the narrative.
Unusually for Cheever, the narrative of The Swimmer was written so well, that I had the time to enjoy it without spending too much time analysing the links between Cheever’s alcoholism and (the protagonist) Ned’s compulsive swimming. Whilst I still made the connection between Ned and Cheever, it did not distract me from the narrative or disrupt my (rare) enjoyment of Cheever’s storyline. In fact, I can assure you that because these weaknesses were so prevalent in Ned’s character, the narrative felt more authentic and emotive. I could identify with Ned’s character much more than other stories (such as Goodbye, My Brother) where the characters themselves didn’t relate to Cheever’s personal weaknesses. I developed a dislike to the Narrator of Goodbye, My Brother because he seemed too perfect and idealistic rather than a character of interest and deserving of my attention like Ned.
When listening to music, one can argue that the knowledge of the artist’s background can enhance the appreciation of the song and the lyrics and relate to the content more readily. It gives the lyrics more meaning. This is the same for writing. One is more likely to identify with the content if there is a reality behind it.
Elton John Your Song – Has your knowledge of this man’s personal life and weaknesses not affected the way you interpret, and relate to, this song? Why is this song so successful?
It's an interesting point, and I do agree with you that nothing should distract a reader from a well-written story. But when it comes to Cheever, do you think we as students were in a slightly odd position by learning about his life before analysing his works in detail?
ReplyDeleteI mean, if we'd read The Swimmer before finding out that he battled with alcoholism, do you think you'd authomatically make that connection? I don't. I'm not sure that that readers automatically assume that characters have inherited traits from their creator, or else we'd all try to hide behind perfect characters (as in Goodbye, My Brother) so we didn't reveal anything negative about ourselves to the audience!
I completely agree, if we hadn't been informed of Cheever's past, then we wouldn't have made a connection between his alcoholism and the Swimmer's compulsion, which backs up my point saying that it shouldn't affect the reader's enjoyment of the piece.
ReplyDeleteI also feel that if everyone hid behind 'perfect' characters then no piece would have as much meaning or authenticity and therefore the enjoyment of the piece is hindered anyway because as a reader we need to believe in the character being portrayed to us. :)