Very often, especially among some of my close relatives, when I mention a book or movie and begin a very compact synopsis of the plot, I am exhorted not to "give it away." Most plots are not so intricate or surprising that there is anything to "give away." I can think of some plots that would be ruined for the audience if they knew some important detail in advance. "The Murder of Roger Akroyd," Agatha Christie's first novel, as well as the movie "The Crying Game," and the play "Sleuth" come to mind as examples of surprise endings, but most similar entertainments can't really be given away.
I am currently reading some books on the great stock market crash of 1929. The whole world knows what happened that blighted October. And yet, as I get to the part describing the events of the week of October 21, my heart starts to pound and my hands tingle in anticipation of what will happen next. Will the market crash? Similarly, will Gavrillo Princip get in his shot, will the Austrians attack Serbia, will the Japs send their planes over a peaceful Sunday morning on Oahu? I, as well as millions of people around the globe know the outcomes. I still enjoy reading about these events even though you can't give it away.
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4 comments:
rosebud was the sled!
I am appalled that you have even heard of the crying game.
You might want to add the movie The Game to that list
I am appalled that you have even heard of the crying game.
You might want to add the movie The Game to that list
I feel that sometimes when I read books on history. A Time To Weep about the churban Bayis Rishon comes to mind.
Unfortunately I also have that hope yet sinking feeling about the Obabma administration. I feel we have been here before with like minded men and it did not turn out well for us. I am still hoping though that history won't repeat itself, and of course we don't yet know the ending. Hashem Yismor
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