Paranoid science fiction author Philip K. Dick believed that Stanisław Lem was not a single person, but a collective of authors operating under the direction of the Polish communist government. He suspected Lem's work was being used to disseminate communist propaganda and infiltrate Western intellectual circles. Dick's accusations, fueled by his own mental health struggles and Cold War anxieties, stemmed from the difficulty he had contacting Lem directly, the perceived uniformity of Lem's diverse output, and the rapid translation of his works. Dick's theory extended to the idea that Lem's writings aimed to control public opinion and that Lem himself was a functionary tasked with critiquing Western science fiction. While unsupported by evidence, this episode reveals much about Dick's mindset and the sociopolitical context of the time.
F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is deeply influenced by World War I, though the war is rarely explicitly mentioned. Gatsby's character, his pursuit of Daisy, and the novel's themes of loss and disillusionment are shaped by the war's impact. The war accelerated social changes, fostering a sense of both liberation and moral decay, embodied in the "lost generation." Gatsby's idealized vision of the past, specifically his pre-war romance with Daisy, represents a yearning for a lost innocence and stability shattered by the war. His lavish parties and relentless pursuit of wealth are attempts to recapture that past, but ultimately prove futile, highlighting the impossibility of truly returning to a pre-war world. The war, therefore, acts as an unseen yet pervasive force driving the narrative and shaping its tragic conclusion.
Several Hacker News commenters discuss the pervasive impact of WWI on the Lost Generation, agreeing with the article's premise. One notes the parallels between Gatsby's lavish parties and the era's frantic pursuit of pleasure as a coping mechanism for trauma. Another points out the disillusionment and cynicism that permeated the generation, reflected in Gatsby's character. A few highlight Fitzgerald's own war experience and its influence on his writing, suggesting the novel is semi-autobiographical. One commenter questions the extent to which Gatsby himself is representative of the Lost Generation, arguing he's an outlier driven by a singular obsession rather than a wider societal malaise. Finally, the symbolism of the green light and its connection to unattainable dreams and lost hope is also discussed.
A recently rediscovered play by Toni Morrison, Dreaming Emmett, written in 1986 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emmett Till's murder, offers new insights into her later masterpiece, Beloved. The play, centered on Till's ghost revisiting key figures in his life and the trial, grapples with themes of racial violence, memory, and the struggle for justice, all prominent in Beloved. Scholars see Dreaming Emmett as a crucial stepping stone in Morrison's exploration of historical trauma and its enduring impact, revealing how she developed her signature blend of realism and surrealism to give voice to the silenced. The play's emphasis on cyclical violence and the importance of remembering resonates powerfully with the themes of haunting and unresolved grief found in her iconic novel.
HN commenters discuss Toni Morrison's lost play, "Dreaming Emmett," and its influence on Beloved. Some highlight the play's focus on the cyclical nature of racial trauma and its exploration of Emmett Till's murder through different perspectives, including his mother's grief and the imagined responses of figures like Jackie Robinson. Others express excitement at the possibility of the play finally being produced and draw parallels between Morrison's theatrical approach and Greek tragedies. Several commenters also mention the poignant timing of the play's rediscovery amidst ongoing racial injustice and note the connection between historical trauma and present-day struggles. One commenter notes the irony of Morrison having called the play "unstageable" while others suggest that its experimental nature might have made it challenging for audiences of that era.
The article "Who's Afraid of Tom Wolfe?" explores the mixed critical reception of Tom Wolfe's fiction, particularly focusing on A Man in Full. While acknowledging Wolfe's journalistic talent and cultural influence, the author dissects the criticisms leveled against his novels: simplistic prose, cartoonish characters, and sprawling, unwieldy plots. The piece ultimately suggests that the negative reactions stem from a discomfort with Wolfe's satirical portrayal of societal elites and his embrace of realism, which challenges prevailing literary trends favoring minimalism and postmodernism. Wolfe's ambition and popularity, the article implies, threaten the established literary guard, leading to a dismissive attitude toward his work despite its insightful social commentary.
HN commenters largely agree that Wolfe's decline in quality began after A Man in Full, with some attributing it to his reliance on formulaic social satire and others to his adoption of a more conservative viewpoint. Several suggest that his earlier works like The Right Stuff and The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test remain classics of New Journalism, praising Wolfe's immersive reporting and energetic prose. Some counter that Wolfe's work was always shallow, stylistic flourish over substance, and enjoyed more popularity than deserved. A few commenters discuss his influence on other writers and the legacy of New Journalism more broadly. One highly upvoted comment notes the irony of Wolfe, who mocked academia, now being the subject of academic analysis.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43660520
Hacker News users discuss the validity and context of Philip K. Dick's accusations against Stanislaw Lem. Some commenters point out Dick's documented mental health struggles and drug use, suggesting his claims should be viewed through that lens. Others highlight the political climate of the Cold War, where such accusations were common and often leveraged for personal gain or to silence dissenting voices. A few commenters defend Dick's paranoia, suggesting that while perhaps misdirected toward Lem specifically, his concerns about censorship and state control of information were valid in the context of the Eastern Bloc. Several commenters express interest in learning more about the historical and political backdrop of this literary feud. Finally, some lament the sensationalist title of the article, arguing it detracts from a more nuanced understanding of the situation.
The Hacker News post titled "Philip K. Dick: Stanisław Lem Is a Communist Committee" generated a moderate amount of discussion with a mixture of perspectives on the accusations Philip K. Dick made against Stanislaw Lem.
Several commenters focused on the context surrounding Dick's accusations, highlighting his documented mental health struggles and paranoia, particularly during the period when he made these claims. They suggest that his accusations should be viewed within this context, acknowledging the possibility that they were influenced by his mental state rather than reflecting objective reality. Some commenters expressed sympathy for Dick while also emphasizing the importance of not taking his claims at face value.
Another line of discussion explored the political climate of the time, noting the Cold War tensions and the prevalence of surveillance and suspicion. Commenters pointed out how such an environment could exacerbate existing paranoia and contribute to the formation of conspiracy theories. Some also discussed the challenges of verifying or refuting such accusations, given the complexities of international relations and the limited access to information during that era.
A few commenters expressed skepticism about Lem's work, echoing some of Dick's sentiments, though not necessarily endorsing his specific conspiracy theory. They questioned the depth and originality of Lem's writing, with one commenter suggesting it felt formulaic.
However, other commenters defended Lem and his work, praising his intellectual depth, philosophical insights, and literary skill. They argued that Dick's accusations were unfounded and unfair, possibly stemming from professional jealousy or misunderstanding.
Some of the most compelling comments provided historical context, linking to primary sources such as Dick's letters and FBI files, which offered further insight into his state of mind and the circumstances surrounding his accusations. These comments enriched the discussion by grounding it in documented evidence.
A few commenters also explored the broader themes of censorship and intellectual freedom, reflecting on the pressures faced by writers in different political systems.
Overall, the discussion on Hacker News provides a nuanced view of the controversy, acknowledging Dick's struggles while also defending Lem's literary reputation. The comments encourage critical thinking about the accusations, urging readers to consider the context and avoid drawing hasty conclusions. The most insightful comments provide valuable historical context and encourage further exploration of the topic.