Mary Gaitskill on Subjects That Are Vexing Everybody

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Nov 2, 2022

Mary Gaitskill, an acclaimed novelist and essayist known for her candid portrayals of human complexities, joins the conversation to discuss a variety of thought-provoking topics. She reveals why some people choose unhappiness and explores the fragility of personality through the lens of human and feline behaviors. Gaitskill reflects on her experiences working as a stripper and at The Strand bookstore, critiques creative writing programs, and shares insights on navigating online writing. Her frank approach to topics like cloning pets and supporting troubled teenagers is both enlightening and heart-wrenching.

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INSIGHT

Roots of Unhappiness

Chronically unhappy people have usually been deeply hurt early in life, repeatedly encountering adversity.
This leads to a defensive posture, making joy difficult, not necessarily a desire to be unhappy.

ANECDOTE

Cat Introductions

Gaitskill uses the example of introducing a new cat to a multi-cat household to illustrate different responses to perceived threats.
One cat's defensiveness amplified aggression, while another cat's calm demeanor defused it.

INSIGHT

Empathy over Explanation

Gaitskill aims to evoke empathy for characters who struggle to fit in, rather than providing literal explanations for their unhappiness.
She wants readers to feel the characters' experiences and connect with their humanity.

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No book titled 'Hilton Als by Hilton Als' found.

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Veronica

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Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy