“I think fiction benefits from ambiguity whereas obviously life doesn’t.”

This sentence in this morning’s Los Angeles Times is in a review/interview of a book/author. The sentence indicates that neither the author nor the journalist/reviewer/critic of the book know much about writing English and especially fiction. The journalist let this statement slide rather than explore the author’s state of mind allowing this sentiment escape her mouth.

Fiction is tied to fact, to logic, to reason and uses devices to bring forth a story. Nothing needs to be told chronologically but in order to use and employ a metaphor an author must have a firm understanding of facts, impressions, implications and words, so that the metaphor works. Likewise, allegories,, fables and every other invention authors have conceived in this language or in others require the same rigorous understanding of communication.

Yet, it is apparent, especially in Don Trump’s world – the present life – that ambiguity is prized. There is no truth, only claims and assertions with no anchor to circumstances. The flurry of statements reveal unreasonableness, illogical wanderings and fantasies.

For instance, scenarios alerting people about others invading suburbs in droves, lemmings coming to play in parks, be educated in schools and generally a force making life interesting. Like all people those outsiders want peace, not violence. But I’m much more fearful of home grown kids who know much about computers, the Internet, communication systems, and  procedures allowing them to spy. They don’t need to wear face masks to do that. And most of the young people don’t believe they carry Coronavirus. Let America speed up society to foster Logan’s Run communities. 

Which sounds more plausible? My perception of where society might be going, or little discomfort and unfamiliarity of having new neighbors.  The job of the artist is to advance understanding and comprehension of what most of us can see and realize. Stick to the new neighbors.