The Calming Power of a Literary Masterpiece

[Actingup]

The original post, maybe due to its tongue-in-cheek tone, was clearly misunderstood. The humor was deliberately ambiguous, but I keep forgetting that damned spoon. I’m not saying the story was bad. The opening hooked me. I wouldn’t have kept reading otherwise. The premise was promising, and the technique top-notch. Yet, after about 2,000 words, I simply fell asleep. Twice.

That doesn’t mean it was boring. Maybe hyper-refined writing has this oddly soothing effect that lulls certain brains into theta-wave mode, like those who drift off at the opera. It doesn’t necessarily mean the music is dull. They may love it, and still the brain just shuts off.

Or maybe a promising premise, a vivid opening, and perfect technique cannot always cover a wrong turn taken somewhere along the way.

From what you say, the issue is with the reader. Chose a time of day to read that won't have you falling asleep, or choose a different story. You've chosen a story that resonated with a lot of people, but that doesn't mean that it was for you. Your respondents here all have catalogs of stories to read, and as long as you don't st_cnash them, I'm sure all will be well.

 

[lovecraft68]

View attachment 2569605

They should post that at the top of the Politics Board

 

[TheRedLantern]

At first I wasn't sure that this thread would live up to its title, but I'm satisfied that it has.