Shedding Light Upon the Shade of Time

 When it comes to Ayn Rand, I just can’t put the book down.  There was one point where I stood up from my seat, continued out the waiting room and onto the scale still searching for the bookmark (receipt) and fumbling for an ending word.  But, it never came, so I had to find my spot on the page again later.  It has taken me a month to get back to this when the book was only 100 pages!  

Sad to see my own goal mocking me, but I will just say I was a bit naïve and get on with it.  Things come up and distractions are a disaster mixed with the untimely appearance of my dear old skill-set of professional procrastination.  But at the end of the day, I read it and that’s all that matters.  So, here it 'tis.

This book is genius.  Anthem was published a novella in the U.S. during the 1940s and is a perfect example of Ayn Rand’s claim to fame in the world of philosophical fiction.  Her ability to craft visual phrases into beautiful exposition is impressive and the characters are relatable because of their human qualities and imperfections.  Rand delivers the background and information as simple as possible, but also in a way that will influence the audience to give the final story new meaning.  In the end, she has shown her mastery of the art of literary theory.

Never have I ever considered writing a fan-fiction, for ANYTHING… but.

If I was ever into that sort of thing, this story is definitely worth writing an entire series about.  The idea itself is exciting, since it takes place in a civilization that would seem very strange when compared to our own.  Everything is done for “we” and thinking collectively has become the mode of society.   

Anthem Graphic Novel by Charles Santino

And if you don’t comply, you will be lashed (just when you thought we had gotten past the Dark Ages).  There is no advancement in every day life, any discovery of knowledge is buried, there is only that which you are assigned and ordered to do, and you obey.  No one rebels, it is unheard of and unthinkable.

But just when you thought it could maybe be not so bad, you realize that the main character’s name is Equality 7-2521.  There are no personal names.  Names are more like numbers in a classification system.  And the anthem of the ages goes like this, "We are nothing.  Mankind is all.  By the grace of our brothers are we allowed our lives.  We exist through, by and for our brothers who are the State.  Amen."

Oh, Equality 7-2521 is about the age where he is beginning to see the bigger picture.  He’s genuinely intelligent, more so than all others.  And, he has a thirst for knowledge.  It is reminiscent of the forbidden fruit meaning the understanding of all things you did not know before.  It can change a person, and it has since the dawn of humankind.  Now we all wear clothes, and that feeling of embarrassment while unclothed is symbolic of the realization that we are a being that is looked upon by other beings.  The themes are quite similar, since there seems to be a switch in mode of thinking once he crosses the barrier of forbidden knowledge.  The story itself is short and sweet.  My only complaint is that, I want to know more!

Ayn Rand.  Anthem.  (New York:  Signet, 1995),  21.

#5 The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Ivan Albright

 Finally, finished with The Picture of Dorian Gray.  After getting over occupied with traveling, and useless distractions to follow, I'm back to give a review.  

This book was definitely worth finishing, though I had a bit of a hunch about how it would end.  Nevertheless, it was entertaining enough and touches on a subject that very few stories are about.  The acts of corruption seem to plague Dorian and those he comes into contact with not long after the portrait of his perfect face is finished.  After he comes to the understanding that his young face will change with age until he is no longer appreciated, he decides he would do anything to avoid this inevitable future.  He fears getting old, or having an ugly face.

What I found most entertaining about the story was the depiction of the inner driving force which propels a person to commit such terrible acts.  Murder as an example is something that most would never consider.  Thus, it is interesting to observe the way a person would come to such a point that murder would seem reasonable.  It is more a study of a state of mind, and a motivation.

From a distance, Dorian Gray can be skewed as the archetype of an evil aristocrat.  When he wants something, he has enough influence to get it.  Even if the service or thing is questionable, no one will raise a brow to his request.  It is parallel to the idea that living at a status above others can poison the soul.  The combination of unlimited resources, additional leisure time and boredom is a recipe for devious tactics.  The problem flowers from Dorian's focus to pursue his desires.

Lastly, I believe this book is somewhat symbolic of forbidden information.  It seems once Dorian is 'in the know' he can no longer live his life the same.  He claims the book he was given is filled with terrible information, the type that will pollute the mind.

The Novel of Classic Controversy

#5  The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde looking fancy

 The Picture of Dorian Gray is a mirror into the world of Oscar Wilde. This author was no stranger to celebrity. In fact, Wilde understood the power of being talked about to the point that he could be compared to the likes of Lady Gaga today. But, it was not just the writing, fancy dress, or traveling about America to teach aesthetics which made Wilde the talk of his time. It's safe to say the real controversy came from his slowly unveiled identity which clashed with mode of Victorian society. 

Dorian Gray is a beautiful youth.  An artist paints his picture finishing it at the most opportune moment when Dorian Gray is struck with the thoughtful expression of a deeper meaning on his face.  It is the look of realization, and the surrender of his blissful ignorance.  Seeing the picture will remain in the same moment it was finished for all time, Dorian realizes the picture will always lie in showing his youth even after he ages.  Dorian is taught earlier than most that his good looks will slowly fade to the undeveloped nothing underneath.

After reading only the first few sentences, I was immediately impressed by the language alone. For quite some time I've been developing my own voice by considering things like the lack of beauty especially in the English literature, and interestingly enough, this is worth mentioning early in the novel by Oscar Wilde. Because, that's exactly where this story finds its place up on the shelf. It's a fantasy to read. Though it's not always happy, it is enchanting to be within the story.

Most of the time, it's hard to really figure out what the guests are rambling on about at their dinner parties, but no one seems to notice, for the dialogue continues to hold the crowd in expression alone rather than needing to rely on the reasoning of it all.

So far, this book has made me rediscover why I wanted to become a writer, and it's like a breath of fresh air. It’s often that I struggle with developing the most unique and original grand theme- A reason larger than life to write and convey in the best way, exactly what it is I have to say. Though I almost forgot why I found writing my niche in the first place. For the controversy... boom, explosion, gasp!

Dorian Gray in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

It has always been a goal of mine to uncover the lies in life. I feel it's wiser to be skeptical of what others would have you believe is reality. This may be the real reason why a person chooses the arts. Once the ideas turn to words that burn in your mouth and you can no longer hold them back, you are ready to write.