Did you find Solomon Long to be a sympathetic character? Why or why not? Post your answer in the comments section, then scroll down to proceed to Question 2.
I was a little schizo on Solo. On the one hand, I wish the book would have ended with Det. Griggs getting knocked off and a repentant Solo and Carla running off to Canada to live happily ever after. On the other hand, the guy was a professional killer, obviously still troubled (altho repentent). And with my son currently studying Criminal Justice, I know he will not be able to take the moogly view of criminals if he hopes to survive out in the big criminal world. I'd really like to know what Chris Well wanted his readers to feel toward Solo!!!
It was a guilty pleasure, liking Solo. He was a mess. I think Chris did a great job of getting me inside the guy's head, making me see how dismal his life was. So I had sympathy for him even if he was a bad guy.
An interesting question--partly because it hinges on what you mean by "sympathetic." It's (relatively) easy to create characters who are likable--far more difficult, as Chris has done here, to create characters who aren't "likable" as much as "identifiable." There's something inherent in their makeup that strikes a chord and makes them resonate (and frankly, in a way, makes them likable because they're real).
Also, I think Chris might address some of his source material for the book in some of his comments, which have a bit to do with (I think) the inspiration for Solo.
The thing that pulled me in as far as Solomon went were those tiny, little unexpected actions.
Sticking his tongue out to taste the snowflakes. Buying a Batman comic book. Being startled by a gorilla mask in a store front window.
These little things were the ones that made him all too real for me. And my heart became engaged and I found myself wanting, hoping, he'd meet the Father he never knew.
TL not only stole my words, but he also said them more eloquently. I agree that Chris did an excellent job of creating a villain that I wanted to see saved.
Meg--liking Solo was a "guilty pleasure?!" You're funny! Like good girls who fall for bad men! Interesting point about sympathizing vs identifying. I could sympathize on a lotta things in the story, but not necessarily identify. I did like the little details like Miz Dee mentioned, tho they might be a reason why nice girls fall for bad men too.... (Curmudgeon, you must have a better looking picture of yourself than that!!!)
Yes, I did. As the information about his past and the way his mother abused him came out, I couldn't help but feel sympathy. Also the quirks Chris Well gave him (like using the handiwipes) brought his insecurities to light.
8 Comments:
Barb said...
I was a little schizo on Solo. On the one hand, I wish the book would have ended with Det. Griggs getting knocked off and a repentant Solo and Carla running off to Canada to live happily ever after. On the other hand, the guy was a professional killer, obviously still troubled (altho repentent). And with my son currently studying Criminal Justice, I know he will not be able to take the moogly view of criminals if he hopes to survive out in the big criminal world. I'd really like to know what Chris Well wanted his readers to feel toward Solo!!!
10:01 AM
Meg said...
It was a guilty pleasure, liking Solo. He was a mess. I think Chris did a great job of getting me inside the guy's head, making me see how dismal his life was. So I had sympathy for him even if he was a bad guy.
11:14 AM
TLHines.com said...
An interesting question--partly because it hinges on what you mean by "sympathetic." It's (relatively) easy to create characters who are likable--far more difficult, as Chris has done here, to create characters who aren't "likable" as much as "identifiable." There's something inherent in their makeup that strikes a chord and makes them resonate (and frankly, in a way, makes them likable because they're real).
Also, I think Chris might address some of his source material for the book in some of his comments, which have a bit to do with (I think) the inspiration for Solo.
11:47 AM
Deeanne said...
The thing that pulled me in as far as Solomon went were those tiny, little unexpected actions.
Sticking his tongue out to taste the snowflakes. Buying a Batman comic book. Being startled by a gorilla mask in a store front window.
These little things were the ones that made him all too real for me. And my heart became engaged and I found myself wanting, hoping, he'd meet the Father he never knew.
12:31 PM
The Curmudgeon's Rant said...
TL not only stole my words, but he also said them more eloquently. I agree that Chris did an excellent job of creating a villain that I wanted to see saved.
12:45 PM
Barb said...
Meg--liking Solo was a "guilty pleasure?!" You're funny! Like good girls who fall for bad men! Interesting point about sympathizing vs identifying. I could sympathize on a lotta things in the story, but not necessarily identify. I did like the little details like Miz Dee mentioned, tho they might be a reason why nice girls fall for bad men too.... (Curmudgeon, you must have a better looking picture of yourself than that!!!)
12:58 PM
C.J. Darlington said...
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
6:58 PM
C.J. Darlington said...
Yes, I did. As the information about his past and the way his mother abused him came out, I couldn't help but feel sympathy. Also the quirks Chris Well gave him (like using the handiwipes) brought his insecurities to light.
7:00 PM
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