Hermitix
Carpenter's Gothic - William Gaddis (Book Review)
Aug 22, 2023
Explore the intricate plot and challenging writing style of William Gaddis' novel Carpenter's Gothic. Discuss the ambiguity in Gaddis's work and the importance of attentive reading. Provide background information about the characters and themes. Examine the shifting patterns and relationships in Carpenter's Gothic. Delve into the symbolism of the bird and its significance in the novel. Explore the shattered symbolism of Christianity. Review and recommend Carpenter's Gothic, highlighting the challenges faced by characters, the unique rhythm and beauty of the book, and a recommendation to read it on a gloomy autumn day.
40:51
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Quick takeaways
- The symbolic house in 'Carpenter's Gothic' represents a failed architecture, reflecting the chaotic and irrational relationships within.
- 'Carpenter's Gothic' critiques the perversion of Christianity, as represented by the character Paul Booth, who reduces it to a bureaucratic system used for personal gain.
Deep dives
The Symbolic House: A Failed Architecture
The novel centers around the symbolic house, referred to as Carpenters Gothic, which represents a failed architecture. The house is built for the sole purpose of external appearance, with its grand Victorian features and Gothic style. However, the interior lacks structure and rationality, reflecting the chaotic and irrational relationships within. The house becomes a metaphor for the empty romance and marriage between Liz and Paul, where no one really listens to each other. The allegorical house highlights the theme of externality and the inability to uphold the pretense of its appearance.
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