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Re: If you don't mind me asking... DomA Send a noteboard - 24/02/2011 02:19:17 AM
Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta.

She was Lo, plain Lo, in the morning, standing four feet ten in one sock. She was Lola in slacks. She was Dolly at school. She was Dolores on the dotted line. But in my arms she was always Lolita.


...how are these words supposed to 'paint beautiful pictures'?


The tempo and the music of the language are interesting in themselves. The language of Nabokov can become as absorbing as the story he used it to tell (more so, I would say. The interest of his novels - as far as I can remember from reading him 20 years ago, resides mostly in the prose itself and his interesting observations of human nature. The stories themselves... bof! ). I wouldn't say "it paints beautiful pictures" for myself though, it's rather beautiful, evocative language. Prose with a high poetic value.

That said, it's also an exceptionally good first paragraph. A lot of the essence of the novel is in it.
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Can someone explain to me how Jordan is not a particularly good writer? newyorkersedai - 21/02/2011 05:41:31 PM 3305 Views
I personally see it as more of RJ being a fantastic story teller, but not a well structured writer. darius_sedai - 21/02/2011 06:44:21 PM 1687 Views
Re: I personally see it as more of RJ being a fantastic story teller, but not a well structured Lo'oris - 22/02/2011 10:59:25 PM 1308 Views
What do you think about the Southern Gothic authors? Ghavrel - 23/02/2011 08:08:26 AM 1192 Views
Re: What do you think about the Southern Gothic authors? Lo'oris - 23/02/2011 10:51:57 AM 1279 Views
Oh, it really depends. Ghavrel - 23/02/2011 05:39:07 PM 1021 Views
thanks, I'll have a look *NM* Lo'oris - 23/02/2011 05:40:50 PM 816 Views
For the same reason that most people think they have above average intelligence. RabidWombat - 21/02/2011 11:13:34 PM 1647 Views
Thank you. Nargs - 21/02/2011 11:43:08 PM 1393 Views
Re: For the same reason that most people think they have above average intelligence. *NM* Gerbeaud - 22/02/2011 02:39:20 PM 905 Views
Re: For the same reason that most people think they have above average intelligence. Gerbeaud - 22/02/2011 02:41:37 PM 1120 Views
Well Said! Evil_Monkey - 22/02/2011 02:42:22 PM 1306 Views
That's possibly the best explanation of literary criticism I've ever seen. The Count - 23/02/2011 02:47:12 AM 1245 Views
I can take a shot at that, since nobody else seems willing to. Ghavrel - 22/02/2011 07:29:20 AM 1710 Views
Do you enjoy reading Robert Jordan's ... Nargs - 22/02/2011 04:31:28 PM 1381 Views
Not particularly. Ghavrel - 22/02/2011 10:22:00 PM 1503 Views
Agreed. Tom - 22/02/2011 10:37:08 PM 1259 Views
Re: I can take a shot at that, since nobody else seems willing to. Lo'oris - 22/02/2011 11:23:38 PM 1337 Views
That has very little to do with anything unless you can provide a real-world analogy to a channeler. Ghavrel - 22/02/2011 11:30:52 PM 1250 Views
Re: That has very little to do with anything unless you can provide a real-world analogy to a Lo'oris - 23/02/2011 12:02:24 AM 1297 Views
As far as I'm concerned, the only way to gauge whether an author is good or not is ... Velveti - 22/02/2011 03:58:17 PM 1235 Views
Amen *NM* Nargs - 22/02/2011 04:32:50 PM 804 Views
Re: Can someone explain to me how Jordan is not a particularly good writer? DomA - 22/02/2011 06:27:11 PM 2099 Views
Brain overload! This is really well thought out. RabidWombat - 23/02/2011 10:22:37 PM 1288 Views
thank you for the insight into the outside view lol Onarishma - 24/02/2011 04:34:57 PM 1343 Views
I think it has more to do with limitations imposed by how the story was organized and edited. RugbyPlayingAshaman - 22/02/2011 07:50:18 PM 1608 Views
That's interesting, and I have a weird agree/disagree here; also, that Adam Roberts sucks newyorkersedai - 23/02/2011 02:15:12 AM 1359 Views
Re: That's interesting, and I have a weird agree/disagree here; also, that Adam Roberts sucks Lo'oris - 23/02/2011 11:02:14 AM 1324 Views
adam roberts reviews uglycat - 23/02/2011 03:53:49 AM 1314 Views
And I suspect those who prefer the BS books are those who largely read WoT for the story. *NM* Ghavrel - 23/02/2011 08:06:16 AM 765 Views
Oh GAWD!... not another pointer to Robert Adam's incoherant muckraking HyogaRott - 24/02/2011 07:47:35 PM 1168 Views
I think DomA answered the question best, but the "do you like it" argument is weak. Tom - 22/02/2011 10:32:51 PM 1481 Views
Re: I think DomA answered the question best, but the "do you like it" argument is weak. Lo'oris - 22/02/2011 11:16:24 PM 1421 Views
The Necronomicon isn't actually a book, you know. *NM* Ghavrel - 22/02/2011 11:28:29 PM 720 Views
There are nine, actually... Lo'oris - 23/02/2011 12:04:55 AM 1484 Views
Lovecraft's Necronomicon was fictitious. If you want to count fanfiction, fine. *NM* Ghavrel - 23/02/2011 12:38:07 AM 783 Views
Based on how poorly worded that response was, I'm not sure what to think of it. *NM* Tom - 23/02/2011 12:13:00 AM 763 Views
I hope I am misunderstanding you. Stephen - 23/02/2011 10:57:47 PM 1172 Views
Re: I hope I am misunderstanding you. Lo'oris - 24/02/2011 10:41:09 AM 1304 Views
If the core of the story is all that matters, why read a book Stephen - 24/02/2011 10:32:01 PM 1265 Views
Re: If the core of the story is all that matters, why read a book Lo'oris - 24/02/2011 11:23:42 PM 1098 Views
So wait, style is good? Stephen - 25/02/2011 12:32:07 AM 1490 Views
Re: So wait, style is good? Lo'oris - 25/02/2011 08:53:55 AM 1144 Views
I'm not trolling Stephen - 25/02/2011 11:57:18 PM 1168 Views
That depends... DomA - 23/02/2011 03:00:35 AM 1391 Views
I didn't say aesthetics was the primary criterion. I named three criteria. Tom - 23/02/2011 05:39:03 AM 1254 Views
the "do you like it" is the most important criterion RabidWombat - 23/02/2011 10:45:17 PM 1252 Views
Re: the "do you like it" is the most important criterion DomA - 24/02/2011 01:53:59 AM 1243 Views
Thumbs up - IMHO, all discussion can end here Nargs - 28/02/2011 05:45:34 PM 1375 Views
Not for quality of writing. Tom - 24/02/2011 05:17:52 PM 1198 Views
Those who can do, the rest are critics. *NM* HyogaRott - 24/02/2011 07:55:50 PM 776 Views
I object, sir! People don't read WoT for the way it's told? newyorkersedai - 24/02/2011 12:58:58 AM 1310 Views
If you don't mind me asking... Fanatic-Templar - 24/02/2011 01:05:12 AM 1071 Views
Re: If you don't mind me asking... DomA - 24/02/2011 02:19:17 AM 1202 Views
I still don't get it. Fanatic-Templar - 24/02/2011 08:27:50 AM 1092 Views
Re: If you don't mind me asking... Lo'oris - 24/02/2011 11:29:14 PM 1139 Views
I don't mind that you ask, but I'm not going to engage in a defense of literature. Tom - 24/02/2011 05:35:27 PM 1087 Views
Re: I don't mind that you ask, but I'm not going to engage in a defense of literature. Lo'oris - 24/02/2011 11:26:55 PM 1242 Views
I'm sure you have a wonderful job awaiting in fast food service. Tom - 25/02/2011 01:57:15 AM 1292 Views
Re: I'm sure you have a wonderful job awaiting in fast food service. Lo'oris - 25/02/2011 08:56:06 AM 1194 Views
Jack @$$ snobbery at its best. WOW *NM* Nargs - 28/02/2011 05:48:43 PM 810 Views
... Fanatic-Templar - 25/02/2011 01:07:22 AM 1148 Views
Maybe you should have used better prose? fionwe1987 - 25/02/2011 01:23:17 AM 987 Views
It is not a serious question. Tom - 25/02/2011 01:53:59 AM 1131 Views
How so? fionwe1987 - 25/02/2011 02:59:05 AM 1268 Views
I have every right to use that tone. Tom - 25/02/2011 03:08:14 PM 1225 Views
Is that so? Fanatic-Templar - 25/02/2011 05:58:31 AM 1218 Views
I'm not fixated with Jordan. Tom - 25/02/2011 03:13:56 PM 1230 Views
Then why do you keep trying to qualify the passage in relation to him? Fanatic-Templar - 25/02/2011 06:29:31 PM 1281 Views
You're conflating two things. Tom - 25/02/2011 07:32:59 PM 1252 Views
All right, now we're getting somewhere. Fanatic-Templar - 26/02/2011 12:40:57 AM 1180 Views
you raise very good questions... *NM* Nargs - 26/02/2011 09:21:13 AM 714 Views
Okay, here you go. I am giving you the benefit of the doubt as to your sincerity. Tom - 26/02/2011 03:20:44 PM 1001 Views
Thank you, and I agree with all your explanations. *NM* Fanatic-Templar - 26/02/2011 07:28:09 PM 731 Views
Glad to hear that. Tom - 27/02/2011 03:42:33 AM 1088 Views
No problem, these things happen on the internet. *NM* Fanatic-Templar - 27/02/2011 04:36:57 AM 789 Views
No, it is a serious question, just one that can never be seriously answered. HyogaRott - 25/02/2011 03:28:48 PM 1153 Views
Your opinion isn't as valid as anyone else's if that's your opinion. Tom - 25/02/2011 04:44:57 PM 1315 Views
Re: Your opinion isn't as valid as anyone else's if that's your opinion. HyogaRott - 25/02/2011 06:05:18 PM 1725 Views
I'm not wasting my time proving something to an internet moron and troll like you. Tom - 25/02/2011 07:36:19 PM 1081 Views
Ah yes, the wonderful "dissmiss the person who disagrees with me by insulting him tactic" HyogaRott - 28/02/2011 02:30:35 PM 1100 Views
Re: Your opinion isn't as valid as anyone else's if that's your opinion. Lo'oris - 26/02/2011 11:06:26 AM 1132 Views
Jack @$$ snobbery at its best. WOW *NM* Nargs - 28/02/2011 05:51:48 PM 639 Views
double post. oh my! *NM* Nargs - 28/02/2011 05:52:17 PM 666 Views
Just makes you right twice *NM* HyogaRott - 28/02/2011 09:42:19 PM 769 Views
Re: ... Lo'oris - 25/02/2011 08:59:37 AM 1194 Views
And part 2, on the analysis of writing. newyorkersedai - 24/02/2011 01:16:20 AM 1209 Views
Florid desciption is usually not a good thing. Tom - 24/02/2011 05:30:30 PM 1164 Views
Re: I find this whole thing elitist and more than a bit silly GarethBryne - 23/02/2011 06:45:05 AM 1305 Views
Why do you think mind-expanding literature is restricted to the classics? Ghavrel - 23/02/2011 08:03:59 AM 1134 Views
Re: Why do you think mind-expanding literature is restricted to the classics? GarethBryne - 23/02/2011 09:25:10 AM 1322 Views
Of course people read for pleasure. Ghavrel - 23/02/2011 09:04:24 PM 1091 Views
Ok... Nargs - 24/02/2011 08:59:27 AM 1134 Views
"Yeah well, that's, like, just your opinion, man." Good argument. Ghavrel - 24/02/2011 03:43:24 PM 1206 Views
*NM* Tom - 24/02/2011 05:37:02 PM 682 Views
I find your above average tastes and intelligence uninspiring. Nargs - 24/02/2011 08:42:03 PM 1072 Views
I'm curious to hear who Tom and DomA consider a "very good writer"? VTHokie - 24/02/2011 05:49:13 PM 1190 Views
Among living writers? Tom - 24/02/2011 08:16:08 PM 1254 Views
No Rushdie? fionwe1987 - 24/02/2011 09:22:46 PM 1148 Views
I was considering mentioning Rushdie. Tom - 24/02/2011 09:32:20 PM 1091 Views
My list would be similar... DomA - 26/02/2011 07:24:11 AM 1360 Views
That was a very good list. Tom - 26/02/2011 03:07:31 PM 1205 Views
Re: That was a very good list. DomA - 27/02/2011 04:51:43 AM 1259 Views
Once I finish Hugo I'm probably going to read Druon. Tom - 27/02/2011 02:30:03 PM 1042 Views
Oh, and another question Tom - 27/02/2011 05:28:47 PM 1015 Views
Re: Oh, and another question DomA - 01/03/2011 03:42:02 AM 1202 Views
One final question, if you'll indulge me... Tom - 01/03/2011 06:43:23 PM 1080 Views
Well, until I have time to return to your previous post but... DomA - 01/03/2011 07:45:13 PM 1228 Views
I think the two of you have taken too narrow a meaning of 'great' Iain83 - 27/02/2011 11:14:30 AM 1307 Views
You like Solzhenitsyn but not other Russian writers? Tom - 27/02/2011 02:43:46 PM 1214 Views
Re: You like Solzhenitsyn but not other Russian writers? Iain83 - 02/03/2011 11:47:19 PM 1317 Views
Re: I think the two of you have taken too narrow a meaning of 'great' DomA - 28/02/2011 11:51:49 PM 1330 Views
Re: I think the two of you have taken too narrow a meaning of 'great' Iain83 - 03/03/2011 12:01:30 AM 1236 Views
Link to DomA Post from up above: Nargs - 03/03/2011 12:20:11 AM 1475 Views
Re: I think the two of you have taken too narrow a meaning of 'great' DomA - 03/03/2011 02:17:06 PM 1184 Views
He's a great storyteller, but his prose is somewhat uninspiring. *NM* Marshall - 27/02/2011 07:28:00 PM 805 Views
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