Superversive fiction

[marycatelli]

"In such a state, there is only one way to make a difference. You cannot subvert ruins; but you can build right over top of them. If to subvert is to destroy a thing from below, might we not coin an opposite word? We could destroy a state of ruin from above, and, as I like to say, supervert it. Where people have abandoned their standards, we could suggest new ones (or reintroduce whatever was good and useful in the old). Where institutions have been abolished, we could institute others to do their work. Above all, we could instil the ideas of creation and structure and discipline into human minds and hearts, and especially the hearts of the young."

Full essay here.

Comments

[pdlloyd.livejournal.com]

Heh, I grew up on mythology, and enjoyed the Silmarillion; the Bible would probably have been improved IMO by Chris's editing. Or anyone's editing.

lol.

I really enjoyed Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology when I was growing up. I still enjoy reading them, but I've never been able to get the same pleasure from the Bible. Which is not quite the same thing as not being able to enjoy stories from the Bible. There's some stirring stuff in there. Also some pretty messed up stuff, but that's a whole 'nother ball of wax.

Just going by the Lord of the Rings...

Clearly, it has been too long since I've reread the LotR. I shall add it to my TBR pile.

I haven't read much Heinlein, but I've heard about redheaded ubercompetent sex kittens who adore the fat wise man. So, sex kittens. OTOH, ubercompetent and not docile in the home, for 1950s America. Or reverse that.

Thank you. It was late and I was tired, and I just couldn't figure out how to put that. Yes, exactly.