In modern literature, the combination of conflicting themes in a novel is a popular means to break with mundane conventions. Unorthodox approaches to serious topics are more popular than they have ever been previously. This tendency provokes public discussion about the correctness and adequacy of controversial approaches. A recent example is the new satirical film about Hitler and the Third Reich, The truly truest truth about Adolf Hitler, starring the German comedian Helge Schneider as Hitler. There is a heated debate on whether or not this unusual way of presenting the past distorts the historical facts and thus promotes a false idea of history. The general public point out the importance of morality, political and ethic correctness when it comes to these new ways of looking at a serious topic. These criteria are to be analysed in the novel A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Analysis of Main Thesis
- Conclusion
- Works Cited
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay analyzes the novel "A Long Way Down" by Nick Hornby, examining the author's use of humor in addressing the serious topic of suicide. The essay explores the effectiveness of this approach and the potential implications for the novel's credibility and sophistication. Here are some key themes explored in the text:- The portrayal of suicide in fiction
- The balance between humor and seriousness in literature
- The complexities of character development in a comedic context
- The role of coincidence and shared experience in overcoming adversity
- The author's personal experiences and their influence on the narrative
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction
The introduction explores the growing trend of using unconventional approaches to address serious topics in modern literature, citing the example of the film "The truly truest truth about Adolf Hitler." The essay then introduces Nick Hornby's novel "A Long Way Down" and outlines the narrative premise, focusing on the four characters who gather at a popular suicide location in London on New Year's Eve. The characters' shared experience and the coincidence of their meeting prevent them from committing suicide. The introduction also highlights the author's personal experiences and their potential influence on the story, particularly his son's autism.Analysis of Main Thesis
This section explores the challenge of balancing humor and seriousness in a novel about suicide. The essay argues that the comical aspects of "A Long Way Down" might undermine the credibility of the serious topic. It analyzes the character of Maureen, who is presented as the only genuinely suicidal character, and suggests that her portrayal could be seen as potentially insensitive and unrealistic. The chapter also raises concerns about the title of the novel, "A Long Way Down," which implies a happy ending and might suggest that the characters never truly considered suicide.Frequently Asked Questions
How does Nick Hornby use humor in "A Long Way Down"?
Hornby uses a satirical and comedic lens to bring together four disparate characters at a suicide hotspot, using their shared interactions to provide a lighter perspective on a dark subject.
Is it appropriate to combine suicide with humor in literature?
The essay explores this debate, questioning whether an unorthodox or comedic approach distorts serious historical or personal facts or if it effectively breaks mundane conventions.
What is the premise of the novel "A Long Way Down"?
Four strangers meet on the roof of a London building on New Year's Eve, all intending to commit suicide, but their unexpected meeting leads them to reconsider.
Does the humor undermine the novel's credibility?
The analysis suggests that the comical elements might risk making the serious topic of suicide seem less realistic, particularly in the portrayal of characters like Maureen.
What role does "coincidence" play in the story?
Coincidence is the central plot device that prevents the characters' deaths, suggesting that shared human experience can be a powerful antidote to despair.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Stephan Jung (Autor:in), 2007, Serious Premise vs. Entertainment, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/148178
