Kerry J. Schooley wrote:
In noir the aspiration toward a better world is deemed
impossible from the get-go. Nevertheless people continue to
harbour aspirations. It's the Catch 22 of the human
condition. To aspire toward a better world, one must first be
able to imagine something other than the world in which we
exist. That requires abstract thought.
Though it comes close, that's not quite the same as
saying the protagonist displays much in the way of abstract
thought.
************ An aspiration for a better world is more of a
noir theme than a defining characteristic of a noir
character. Nevertheless, although a hardcore struggle to
survive may preclude a lot of abstract thought, it still pops
up in a boatload of noir characters. A standard line of
abstract thinking for a noir character is a twisted
justification for some nasty wrong-doings. Stanton Carlisle
in Gresham's NIGHTMARE ALLEY fits that bill. Many noir
protagonists wax philosophic on the edge of sanity. Flannery
O'Connor's Hazel Motes in WISE BLOOD and Nathanael West's
Miss Lonelyhearts wallowed in their own private abstract
hell.
miker
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