moreau%babel.DEC@decwrl.ARPA (06/27/85)
From: moreau%babel.DEC@decwrl.ARPA (Ken Moreau, ZKO2-3/N30 3N11, DTN 381-2102) It is interesting that there are two entirely separate discussions going on in SFL which relate so well: the one on the concept of spoilers, and the one on Thomas Covenant. Lee Gold's quote "Now he was Emperor of the galaxy, but what did it all mean? ..." is something that I appreciate finding in books. (The best current example of finding that type of thing in books is in Bio of a Space Tyrant, by Piers Anthony. His epilogues give away nearly every major plot element, which is something I value in last pages of books). I read books for enjoyment. Just that, nothing more. (Sorry Davis Tucker, but I am not looking for *DEEP MEANING* or *GREAT ART* when I read, just a few moments of pleasure for my $2.95 plus sales tax. My wife, an ex-English teacher, often comments on this). The main reason I want to know what happens is so that I can figure out whether I want to read it in the first place. If I am not going to feel good when I finish, I won't read it. Think back to the Lensman series. Whatever else those books may be, (to me) they are *FUN*. A good read, enjoyable adventure, and I feel good when I finish. Having the hero be a contemptible cur (in Thomas Covenants case), or having the hero lose everything with no hope of winning (again in Thomas Covenant, but also in several of Stephen Kings books, notably 'Salems Lot and Cujo), is simply not enjoyable. If I want examples of incompetent or contemptible people, or even good people who lose with no hope, all I have to do is turn on the evening news. Ken Moreau