Other than his so many wonderful novels, Heinlein has done quite a lot of short stories. He has a good understanding of how long a story should be to exploit the theme properly. I have read quite a few of his stories, (never deliberately, I prefer novels more, but never can tell from the title), and liked almost all of them. But the problem is I can't remember their names.
So there is this couple who lives in the Moon, (always say "in" the Moon, never "on" the Moon, ok?) and they decide to come back to Earth, roots and all you know? They uproot themselves, leave their flat and go to Earth. And there they meet all these people, social, polite, inquisitive...right from the start their conversation starts to bother our Loony couple. For example, the word "loony" makes them uncomfortable the way Earth people use it. The Earthlings have their own set ideas about the Loonies that they can't shake no matter how many anecdotes our central couple tells.
Slowly, other things start bothering them, the gravity, the pollution, small things that get on your nerves as they persist. Finally they decide to go back...
That reminds me of my own travels to India. People have a certain image in mind, a stereotype, certain expectations, certain lame remarks - assumptions based on media, prejudices based on nothing. At times it irks me, at times it annoys me, at times (when I am well-fed and relaxed) I am able to bear them with equanimity, at times I lash out.
One acquaintance actually asked me where I liked living better - India or US. And when I said "US", he was visibly offended and there started the "advice" about how home is always home and all the rest of it...I usually have little patience for such people so that ended quite shortly.
Just like our Loony couple, I know of people who migrated to some other country, came back, tried to live there and left to go back. I am from India so I know of mostly Indians who faced this situation. I am sure there must be others.
What makes them go back? It's their home they are coming back to and yet, they can't live there! They try, they do stick it out for a year or two but then they finally face up to the inevitable - "home" has moved! I can't blame them. On the other hand, I can't blame the natives either, they live there, they live by their own standards, rules, values. So, ultimately, a person or persons will settle happily where they find likeminded people, be it the East, the West or the Moon!
Showing posts with label people. Show all posts
Showing posts with label people. Show all posts
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
Saturday, 3 November 2007
The cast of characters - Moon is a Harsh Mistress
I have a lot of things to talk about in Heinlein's books but I want to start my posting with my most favorite of all Heinlein books - Moon is a Harsh Mistress.
It's a fantastic story of a revolution that people who live in the Moon launch for their freedom and although there is a hero and a heroine, there are quite a few other characters in the story. Heinlein has the knack to create the perfect balance in giving the limelight to his characters. Well, he has in this particular story. Even though the hero, Mannie, is telling the story in first person narrative, he is not the most important person in the story. Sure he has a great role, lots and lots of footage, but the other people around him get their fair share, even when he is wrong and they are right. They all bring some quality to the story, or to the revolution, it could be Professor de la Paz with his vast experience of life, or the heroine Wyoming Knott who adds her feminine instinct, her common sense, her people skills to the cause, they all contribute towards a common goal.
Now, think about life. Who is the most important person here? Why, you, of course! You are the superhero (or superheroine, I am NOT going to say superperson) of your own story. But, and this is the point I want to stress, you simply cannot carry the whole story by yourself no matter what super powers you possess. Therefore, you must pay attention to those around you, the characters that add to the story, the people who support you, help you, motivate you, provide you with a shoulder to cry on, or a shoulder to shoot from as the need may be. If you want the story of your life to be a bestseller you need to give them the due attention, recognize them for what they are, acknowledge their support and don't be ashamed of asking for help when you need it.
An author writes many books, but the masterpiece of your life will be written once and only once, so make sure you choose the right characters, and develop the story in a way that you, as its author, will be proud of.
It's a fantastic story of a revolution that people who live in the Moon launch for their freedom and although there is a hero and a heroine, there are quite a few other characters in the story. Heinlein has the knack to create the perfect balance in giving the limelight to his characters. Well, he has in this particular story. Even though the hero, Mannie, is telling the story in first person narrative, he is not the most important person in the story. Sure he has a great role, lots and lots of footage, but the other people around him get their fair share, even when he is wrong and they are right. They all bring some quality to the story, or to the revolution, it could be Professor de la Paz with his vast experience of life, or the heroine Wyoming Knott who adds her feminine instinct, her common sense, her people skills to the cause, they all contribute towards a common goal.
Now, think about life. Who is the most important person here? Why, you, of course! You are the superhero (or superheroine, I am NOT going to say superperson) of your own story. But, and this is the point I want to stress, you simply cannot carry the whole story by yourself no matter what super powers you possess. Therefore, you must pay attention to those around you, the characters that add to the story, the people who support you, help you, motivate you, provide you with a shoulder to cry on, or a shoulder to shoot from as the need may be. If you want the story of your life to be a bestseller you need to give them the due attention, recognize them for what they are, acknowledge their support and don't be ashamed of asking for help when you need it.
An author writes many books, but the masterpiece of your life will be written once and only once, so make sure you choose the right characters, and develop the story in a way that you, as its author, will be proud of.
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