Scary stories for grown-ups
I'm puzzled over the fact that I seem drawn to books that portray a character’s backslide resulting from failed societal or financial aspirations. The House of Mirth. Sister Carrie. Alice Adams. And of course, Death of a Salesman. I’ve wondered if it isn’t schadenfreude and I just have a mean streak, but the fact is I don’t get any enjoyment out of the character’s fall from grace; instead, it fills me with a quiet horror.
When I lie in my warm, comfortable bed at night and consider my good fortune, I feel safe--not from any criminal element lurking outside my house, but from Alice’s disastrous dinner party, from Hurstwood in his cheap hotel room.
posted by SMB @ 8:36 PM
3 Comments:
Interesting, I just did a post about novels that are sort of the flip side of that, where the money problems seem to work out and a surprise windfall saves the day!
Why I Love 19th Century Novels
You bring up a good point about money and safety.I wonder how many people who consider themselves savers equate having money with security or safety. I know that's part of it for me, and for some of my more fiscally responsible friends.
Definately - a plump bank account is very much like a big warm blanket. Something that gives me a trouble-free night of sleep.
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