19 years ago(!), in my AP english 12 exam we had to compare Hamlet and Fortinbras, as sons in relation to fathers, in their motivation, their action/inaction, etc. I'm not entirely sold on the Hamlet connection, and wonder how far it can be pushed. Is Eschaton the play within the play? So can we get a discussion going about the troubling father-son relationships in the novel? I count there are about 10? At least. JOI 's dad and his dad JOI and his dad JOI and Orin JOI and Hal Don and no father Don and MP Bain kids and Bain Parents- and crazy Kevin Bain's toddler-sized trauma? Matty and Mike Pemulis and their Da Marathe and his brothers and father, as well as all the AFR boys and men CT and Mario???
and then there's Joelle and Her Own Personal Daddy Joelle's mom and her diddling father Avril's drunk grandfather and father
What are these failed relationships saying? It has to be more than just "we are effed up and are effing up our kids."
And if Hal is Hamlet, (if), then who is Fortinbras? Who is still standing at the end? Maybe standing, with the help of a vest and police-lock?
|