Posted by Donna Adams on June 29, 1999 at 23:12:14:
In Reply to: Vance and Politics posted by Tim Stretton on June 29, 1999 at 03:24:56:
Greetings all.
I have followed the discussion on Vance and his possible political leanings, and been amazed at the in-depth way in which some of you seem to want to analyse this. Don't get me wrong, I certainly approve of people displaying their views and opinions, and have enjoyed them one and all!
I look upon myself as a religious and political atheist (I don’t believe in either). As an open book, upon which, no religious or political leaning has imprinted itself. Of course I have my ideas and beliefs, however, they are too varied and 'futuristic' to be attributed to a single "club", i.e. left-wing, liberal, catholic or whatever. And don't people love to belong to a club!
The idea that Jack Vance's books are full of his own political leanings and views on society, may well be correct, whatever these views actually are. However, when I read his *stories* I interpret them as just that. "Stories" Neither political manifestos, dogma or personal declarations. I just assume he is creating a world, characters, situations and conclusions with a theme which amuses himself (and hopefully lots of others) without trying to put across any particular personal beliefs. Granted, there *are* some underlying political themes in a lot of his work, but I for one don't try to dissect them too intimately for fear of losing the plot! I just enjoy the tales and ruminate on the vagaries of life....
Also, even though his characters mostly roam about on illusionary worlds, I see a definite, ironic and very humorous correlation to the Human psyche which is displayed all over our own planet. Thus I take his splendid visions with a pinch of the proverbial salt.
I hope this is all relevant, I do tend to ramble a bit...
**Donna**