tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759353.post2643615261250523551..comments2023-08-29T02:42:23.063-05:00Comments on ¡Bemsha SWING!: Gratuitously Flattering Character DetailJonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371893596402673898noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759353.post-69062679256207990352011-09-05T20:35:52.257-05:002011-09-05T20:35:52.257-05:00Don't know the book. I'm going to see if ...Don't know the book. I'm going to see if my library has it.Jonathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09371893596402673898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759353.post-51334966139344590062011-09-05T20:27:08.888-05:002011-09-05T20:27:08.888-05:00Recently picked up a City Lights collection of tra...Recently picked up a City Lights collection of translations of flamenco lyrics. "Gypsy Cante," Will Kirkland, ed. & tr. Enjoyed it. Do you know it, Jonathan? Thoughts?<br /><br />Thanks.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07000424514491809383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759353.post-61937673918037217072011-09-04T11:24:47.801-05:002011-09-04T11:24:47.801-05:00Yes, making that character a technical genius is r...Yes, making that character a technical genius is related to the plot. It is his lack of insight into character that makes him fail. A gratuitous flattering character trait for such a character would be to also make him a gourmet cook or a kareteda. The saxophone at the end comes close, but he is clearly an amateur at that.Jonathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09371893596402673898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759353.post-72098275634648975082011-09-04T11:08:48.736-05:002011-09-04T11:08:48.736-05:00I like the term "vanity package". It'...I like the term "vanity package". It's also basic to the romantic element of fiction -- part of the pleasure one gets (or is supposed to get) as a reader is admiring the characters.<br /><br />I remember discussing it with my wife when we saw <i>The Conversation</i> -- I was irritated that we had to listen to people telling us that Hackman was "the best" in his line of work. She pointed out that in that story, it had a function -- he makes a mistake precisely because he thinks he's invulnerable.Vance Maverickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07477306994564623348noreply@blogger.com