Acknowledging the inherent difficulties of navigating moral complexities, author Saunders recognizes that a purely compassionate approach can inadvertently enable harmful behavior, describing it as “an impossible way to live” and an “idiot compassion.” He suggests that sometimes, a firm consequence—a metaphorical “kick in the ass”—is necessary for genuine change. This tension between empathy and accountability forms a central conflict within his latest work.
The Complexity of a Master
Exploring the delicate balance between opposing philosophies in Saunders’s new novel.
Saunders hasn’t definitively sided with either viewpoint in his writing; instead, he deliberately presents both philosophies with equal precision and persuasiveness, choosing to “let them hover there.” This approach, he notes, echoes John Keats’s concept of “negative capability”—the ability to remain comfortable with uncertainty, mystery, and doubt without seeking immediate resolution. Keats posited that this quality distinguished the greatest writers, like Shakespeare.
“To me, it’s a little bit sacramental, for just a couple of hours a day, to go ‘Oh, my actual everyday self is a little bit flawed,’” Saunders agrees, adding that this is “the essence of what art can do for us.” He reflects that we often lack the time for such nuanced consideration, but encountering masterful works reminds him of the tendency to make premature judgments. “The world is so much bigger than my ability to understand it, yet I’m always acting as if I 100% understand it.” Embracing ambiguity, he admits, represents a departure from his usual writing style. “Most of my other works don’t really land in a place of ambiguity.”
What is “negative capability”? It’s the capacity to exist comfortably with uncertainty and doubt, a quality Keats believed defined the greatest writers.
Like his previous novel, Lincoln in the Bardo, Saunders’s latest work draws upon his Buddhist faith, particularly the idea of transcending ego and detaching from earthly desires. This belief system infuses the novel with its most poignant moments, as the character Jill experiences a temporary shift from her “elevated” state and confronts unresolved issues from her past.
- Saunders intentionally avoids resolving the central philosophical conflict in his new novel, allowing both viewpoints to coexist.
- He draws a parallel between his approach and John Keats’s concept of “negative capability.”
- The author acknowledges that embracing ambiguity is a departure from his typical writing style.
- His Buddhist faith continues to inform his work, adding depth and emotional resonance.
The “triangulation” between a French inventor, Boone, and Jill is a key driver of the plot, highlighting the complexities of their interactions and the challenges they face.
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