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The Rub of Time

Tags: #essays #literature #politics #culture #biography #personal experience

Authors: Martin Amis

Overview

This collection brings together my essays and reportage spanning over two decades, grappling with themes of literature, politics, culture, and personal experience. The book delves into the evolving landscape of American politics, dissecting the Republican Party’s shift from pragmatism to ideology, culminating in the rise of Donald Trump. I offer an unsparing psychological assessment of Trump, highlighting his narcissism and dishonesty. The book also explores the literary legacies of giants like Saul Bellow, Philip Larkin, Iris Murdoch, and Vladimir Nabokov, contrasting their approaches to writing and life. My own personal experiences, from childhood encounters with racial diversity to reflections on the aging process, are interwoven throughout. A recurring motif is the anxiety of entitlement felt by certain demographics – often leading to violence or regressive political impulses. I argue for the enduring relevance of literature as a means of understanding ourselves and the world, advocating for a renewed focus on precision of language and a rejection of mindless clichés.

Book Outline

1. Vladimir Nabokov and the Problem from Hell

This section examines Nabokov’s unfinished novel, The Original of Laura, arguing that it represents a missed opportunity to solidify a trilogy of intensely disturbing, yet brilliant, fictions exploring pedophilia. The Enchanter directly confronts the topic while Lolita is a more subtle and nuanced treatment. Laura, however, seems to exist somewhere between a rough draft and a thought experiment and as a result, feels less impactful and perhaps more exploitative.

Key concept: “For no human being in the history of the world has done more to vivify the cruelty, the violence, and the dismal squalor of this particular crime.” This quote speaks to the complexities surrounding the issue of pedophilia which pervades much of Nabokov’s later work, particularly in novels such as Ada, Look at the Harlequins!, and The Original of Laura.

2. Saul Bellow, as Opposed to Henry James

This section contrasts my admiration for Saul Bellow, the dominant figure in Jewish-American literature, with my less enthusiastic response to the work of Henry James. I believe Bellow’s writing surpasses James’s because he writes with a profound engagement with life, sees more than we see, and produces sentences that simply ‘weigh more than anyone else’s.’

Key concept: “At home, inside the house, an archaic rule; outside, the facts of life.” This quote encapsulates the central theme of Jewish-American literature: the tension between Jewish tradition and American materialism. This tension is expressed as the anxiety of entitlement – an anxiety not about succeeding, but about one’s right to judge, to pronounce, and ultimately, to write.

3. The Republican Party in 2011: Iowa

This section covers my experiences covering the Republican Presidential primaries in Iowa in 2011, contrasting the “gut” candidate Rick Perry with “flip-flopper” Mitt Romney. I also explore the decline of the Republican Party, now increasingly dominated by ideology rather than practical governance.

Key concept: The Iowa Caucus is likened to “a death panel” where, out of six Republican candidates, “only three will live.” This humorous analogy captures the winnowing effect of the Iowa Caucus on the presidential primary process.

4. The Republican Party in 2012: Tampa, Florida

This section covers my time at the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, where I grappled with the strange appeal of the seemingly inauthentic Mitt Romney. I analyze the Republican dialectic of the time, which centered on criticizing Obama’s handling of a “difficult situation” and proposing the “businessman, not a socialist” Romney as the solution.

Key concept: Romney is likened to someone who went to the dentist one afternoon and came out with his head capped. This metaphor by Clive James cleverly captures Romney’s strangely synthetic quality, his apparent lack of authenticity. This section further explores the ‘dog food problem’ in politics: ‘The dog just won’t eat the dog food’—and nobody knows why.

5. The Republican Party in 2016: Trump

This section provides a psychological assessment of Donald Trump, drawing on insights from his books The Art of the Deal and Crippled America. I argue that Trump’s mental health, specifically his “pathological narcissism” and “chronic dishonesty,” makes him unfit for the presidency. This section was written before his nomination.

Key concept: Trump’s base consists of the white, heterosexual, and male members of the proletariat who have been “left behind.” They believe that Trump Inc., with its vast business experience, can somehow restore their former status. The quote “‘Then the American people spoke.’ Remember the old witticism about democracy? ‘The people have spoken. The bastards.’” darkly captures the potential danger of this type of populist support.

6. Philip Larkin: His Work and Life

This section analyzes the unique appeal of Philip Larkin’s poetry, arguing that he is not a “poet’s poet” but rather a “people’s poet” and a “novelist’s poet.” His work is marked by its memorability, originality, and a wide range of emotional registers, from “sunlit levity to mellifluous gloom.”

Key concept: Larkin’s frictionless memorability, his ability to create lines that are instantly unforgettable is exemplified by the opening stanza of a reader’s parody of Marvell’s ‘To His Coy Mistress’:

“You mean you like that poncy crap Where some sex-besotted chap Makes love a kind of shopping list? Item: two juicy tits. Get pissed!”

7. Larkin’s Letters to Monica

This section delves into Larkin’s tumultuous relationship with Monica Jones as revealed in his letters. Larkin’s letters to Monica provide an intimate and often unsettling glimpse into his personal life and his struggles with intimacy.

Key concept: “Up till then there’d only been A sort of bargaining, A wrangle for a ring, A shame that started at sixteen And spread to everything.”

8. Iris Murdoch: Age Will Win

This section explores the tragedy of Iris Murdoch’s decline due to Alzheimer’s disease, contrasting the literary approach of John Bayley’s memoirs with the cinematic approach of Richard Eyre’s film Iris. The section highlights the stark contrast between Murdoch’s former brilliance and the devastating effects of the disease.

Key concept: “Like being chained to a corpse, isn’t it?” This remark, offered to John Bayley by a fellow sufferer in an Alzheimer marriage, provides a starting point for a discussion of Bayley’s experience caring for his wife, the renowned novelist Iris Murdoch, as she succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease.

9. Princess Diana: A Mirror, Not a Lamp

This section analyzes the Royal Family’s handling of Princess Diana’s death in 1997, focusing on the Queen’s difficulty expressing the publically demanded emotions and Prince Charles’s struggles to provide comfort to his sons. It further explores the unique relationship between the monarchy and the public, where emotion is magnified and authenticity is paramount.

Key concept: “We don’t have protocol here…just bloody good manners.” This quote by a royal equerry encapsulates the crisis faced by the Royal Family following Princess Diana’s death. It highlights the conflict between the traditional formality of the monarchy and the public’s demands for a more modern, emotional response to the tragedy.

10. The Queen’s Speech, the Queen’s Heart

This section continues the analysis of the Royal Family’s response to Princess Diana’s death, focusing on the Queen’s personal struggles with expressing grief and her eventual decision to address the nation in a live televised broadcast.

Key concept: “As Elizabeth II, dressed in black, walked down the line of mourners, an eleven-year-old girl handed her five red roses. ‘Would you like me to place them for you?’ asked the queen. ‘No, Your Majesty,’ replied the girl. ‘They are for you.’”

11. On the Road: The Multicity Book Tour

This section recounts my experiences on a multicity book tour in 1995. I reflect on the unique dynamic of the author-reader relationship, especially in an age of increasing media scrutiny and public attention. The section also highlights the surreal pervasiveness of the O.J. Simpson trial throughout the tour.

Key concept: “People are always getting O.J.-ed off of things.” This quote introduces the newly coined verb ‘to O.J.’ – to be bumped from the media schedule due to breaking news coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial.

12. The Fourth Estate and the Puzzle of Heredity

This section explores the complexities of literary heredity, using my own experience as the son of Kingsley Amis as a case study. I argue that writers inherit not only talent, but also a tendency to provoke their elders with a message that implicitly states: ‘It’s not like that anymore. It’s like this.’

Key concept: “They are scum.” This quote by Somerset Maugham, referring to the characters in Kingsley Amis’s Lucky Jim, encapsulates the generational divide between older and younger writers. Younger writers, with their modern sensibility and style, inevitably challenge the perceptions and values of their elders.

13. The King’s English

This section presents a lighthearted exploration of the differences between poets and novelists, particularly in terms of their relationship to the world. I use my own experience and observations to suggest that poets, unlike novelists, are often ill-suited to practical tasks like driving.

Key concept: “Poets don’t drive.” This simple statement is a key takeaway from this section. I explore the different mindsets of poets and novelists, using the act of driving as a metaphor for their engagement with the world.

14. In Pornoland: Pussies Are Bullshit

This section provides a darkly humorous exploration of the pornography industry, contrasting “Features” films, with their attempt at narrative and characterization, with the rawer, more transgressive “Gonzo” style. I interview a number of people involved in the industry, including the “Buttman” creator John Stagliano, and actress Chloe.

Key concept: “Pussies are bullshit.”

15. Don DeLillo: Laureate of Terror

This section explores Don DeLillo’s work, particularly his mastery in depicting modern terror and anxiety. While appreciating his entire oeuvre, I highlight the stories in The Angel Esmeralda that most effectively showcase DeLillo’s unique voice and style, focusing on his ability to capture the psychological impact of violence and uncertainty.

Key concept: DeLillo’s work is infused with the theme of terror – how it hovers and shimmers in our minds – specifically the terror of modernity and postmodernity. The story “The Angel Esmeralda” exemplifies this theme, with its vivid depiction of the South Bronx as a landscape of urban decay, violence, and fear.

16. J. G. Ballard: From Outer Space to Inner Space

This section focuses on J. G. Ballard’s early science fiction work, particularly The Drowned World. I argue that the novel’s true strength lies not in its plot or characters but in its poetic depiction of a dystopian future.

Key concept: In The Drowned World, the sun is described as being “alarmingly distended.” This vivid image, coupled with Ballard’s detailed descriptions of a flooded London, exemplifies his signature style: a focus on the visual, a merging of mood and setting, and a fascination with human isolation.

17. Early Ballard: The Drowned World

This section delves deeper into Ballard’s fiction, focusing on his exploration of the perverse and the obsessional, particularly in novels like Crash. I analyze his early influences, including his internment in a Japanese prison camp during World War II and his medical training, and how these experiences shaped his distinctive voice and imagery.

Key concept: Ballard describes Crash as “the first pornographic novel based on technology.” This quote highlights the novel’s unsettling exploration of the intersection between technology, sexuality, and violence. It also captures Ballard’s unique perspective on the modern world, where technology becomes a source of perverse fascination.

18. The Shock of the New: A Clockwork Orange Turns Fifty

This section analyzes Anthony Burgess’s A Clockwork Orange on its fiftieth anniversary. I explore the novel’s enduring relevance, particularly its exploration of violence, free will, and the complex relationship between high culture and barbarism.

Key concept: In the final scene of A Clockwork Orange, Alex, seemingly “cured” of his violent tendencies, fantasizes about violence while listening to Beethoven. This disturbing image reinforces Burgess’s controversial suggestion that high culture and barbarism can not only coexist but also reinforce each other.

19. Three Stabs at Tennis

In this section, I offer a humorous take on the world of professional tennis, creating a fictional “Tennis Monster” assembled from the best parts of various players. I also lament the decline of the “personality” in modern tennis, arguing that true character is more compelling than manufactured showmanship.

Key concept: The key question for any true tennis aficionado: “Who on earth will marry the poor girls–the poor girls?”

20. The Champions League Final, 1999

This section offers a satirical look at the contemporary obsession with football, analyzing the motivations of both fans and players. I argue that the intense emotions surrounding the game, coupled with the media’s focus on celebrity and spectacle, can create a dangerous environment for both participants and spectators.

Key concept: “’The people have spoken. The bastards.’” This quote, originally a joke about democracy, is used here to highlight the potential dangers of populism, particularly when voters are easily swayed by emotion and personality rather than rational policy.

21. In Search of Dieguito Maradona

This section explores the life and career of football legend Diego Maradona, focusing on his meteoric rise to fame, his struggles with addiction, and his enduring appeal as a symbol of both brilliance and self-destruction.

Key concept: The diminutive ending -ito or -ita is ubiquitous in Latin American Spanish, expressing the cultural emphasis on youth and the indulgence shown to the young. Dieguito Maradona, the aging and ailing football legend, embodies the tragic irony of a figure who can no longer be called “little Diego.”

22. Christopher Hitchens

This section offers a personal reflection on the life and work of my friend Christopher Hitchens. I highlight his unique qualities as a writer, thinker, and public intellectual, focusing on his intellectual honesty, his fearlessness, and his unwavering commitment to his convictions.

Key concept: “In manners begins morality.” This quote encapsulates one of the central themes of this section: the importance of manners as a foundation for moral behavior. Good manners, I argue, are not merely a social nicety but a reflection of one’s respect for others.

23. President Trump Orates in Ohio

This section provides further analysis of Donald Trump and his presidency, focusing on his impact on American politics and culture. I dissect his rhetoric, highlighting his reliance on simple slogans, false promises, and appeals to emotion rather than reason. I also explore the motivations of his supporters, arguing that Trump’s rise to power is rooted in deeper anxieties about social change and economic insecurity.

Key concept: Trump’s base consists of those who feel left behind by modernity and globalization, and who yearn for a simpler time when America was more homogenous and less complex. The quote “Elite media types tell you you’re stupid and don’t know anything. Well, look at me. I’m stupid too and I don’t know anything either.” captures the essence of Trump’s appeal to his base, who see in him a reflection of their own anxieties and resentments.

24. Deciding to Write Time’s Arrow

This section delves into the genesis of my novel Time’s Arrow, which explores the Holocaust through the perspective of a Nazi doctor whose life unfolds in reverse. I discuss the challenges of tackling such a horrific subject, as well as the role of coincidence and subconscious inspiration in the creative process.

Key concept: “The Jew is the gangrenous appendix in the body of mankind.” This chilling quote by a Nazi doctor underscores the essentially biomedical nature of Nazi ideology, as historian Robert Jay Lifton argues.

25. Marty and Nick Jr. Sail to America

This section revisits my experiences in America, reflecting on my early encounters with racial diversity and my father’s experiences teaching at Princeton and Vanderbilt Universities. I explore the theme of America’s evolving relationship with race, from the era of segregation to the present day.

Key concept: I explore the idea that good writing often emerges from hardship and struggle. In this context, I reference a quote by Saul Bellow about the creative process: “All the while you thought you were going around idle terribly hard work was taking place.”

26. Bellow: Avoiding the Void

This section delves deeper into Bellow’s life, focusing on his tumultuous relationships with women. I explore the contradictions in his character, his tendency to be both passive and impulsive in his romantic entanglements. His relationships, as Leader argues, were often complicated by his artistic ambitions, as he seemed drawn to women who presented him with creative and personal challenges.

Key concept: “Pussies are bullshit.”

27. Véra and Vladimir: Letters to Véra

This section explores Vladimir Nabokov’s passionate and enduring relationship with his wife, Véra, through a selection of their love letters. I highlight Nabokov’s relentless pursuit of joy and beauty, both in his personal life and in his art, as well as the pivotal role Véra played in his creative process.

Key concept: “You came into my life…as one comes to a kingdom where all the rivers have been waiting for your reflection, all the roads, for your steps.” This quote from Nabokov’s second letter to his future wife, Véra Slonim, beautifully captures the intensity of their early relationship. The letters collected in this volume offer an intimate glimpse into their extraordinary half-century-long love affair.

Essential Questions

1. What are the defining characteristics of our current historical moment, and what are the challenges and opportunities they present?

Throughout these essays, I grapple with the complexities of contemporary Western society, examining the forces that shape our politics, our culture, and our personal lives. The rise of populism, the decline of traditional institutions, the pervasiveness of technology, and the enduring power of literature are all recurring themes. By analyzing the actions and motivations of individuals, from presidents to porn stars, I attempt to illuminate the underlying anxieties, desires, and contradictions that define our age. The overarching question, then, becomes: how do we navigate this rapidly changing world, with its unprecedented challenges and opportunities, while retaining our humanity and our sense of purpose?

2. What is the nature of literary creation, and what are the essential qualities of good writing?

I explore the nature of literary creation, arguing that it is a mysterious and often subconscious process, driven by a combination of inspiration, talent, and hard work. I analyze the works of several literary giants, including Saul Bellow, Philip Larkin, Vladimir Nabokov, and Don DeLillo, highlighting their unique styles and their enduring relevance. I also examine the challenges and pitfalls of writing, particularly the temptation to sacrifice authenticity for commercial success or critical acclaim.

3. What are the essential qualities of effective political leadership in a complex and rapidly changing world?

I argue that true political leadership requires more than just policy expertise or charisma: it also demands moral intelligence, a deep understanding of the human condition, and a respect for truth. I contrast the rise of figures like Donald Trump and Jeremy Corbyn with the more nuanced and thoughtful leadership of figures like Barack Obama and Christopher Hitchens. The question, then, becomes: what qualities should we look for in our leaders, and how can we hold them accountable for their actions?

4. How do simplistic narratives and ideologies, often fueled by fear and resentment, distort our understanding of the world and lead to harmful consequences?

This question is central to several essays, particularly those dealing with the rise of Donald Trump and the enduring legacy of the Holocaust. I explore the dangerous allure of simplistic narratives and ideologies, arguing that they often appeal to our baser instincts, such as fear, resentment, and the desire for easy answers. I advocate for a more nuanced and critical approach to understanding complex issues, and I warn against the dangers of intellectual laziness and moral complacency.

Key Takeaways

1. Precision and originality in language are essential for effective communication and for a deeper understanding of the world.

Throughout these essays, I emphasize the importance of precise and evocative language in writing. I argue that the careless use of language not only diminishes the quality of writing but also reflects a lack of engagement with the world. I advocate for a renewed focus on precision and originality in language, rejecting clichés and lazy thinking. This applies not only to creative writing but also to any form of communication, from journalism to everyday conversation.

Practical Application:

An AI product engineer working on a language model could apply this by focusing on developing a model that can not only generate grammatically correct and factually accurate text but also capture the subtle nuances of human language, such as humor, irony, and metaphor. This would require going beyond purely statistical approaches and incorporating insights from linguistics, psychology, and cultural studies. The goal should be to create an AI that can not only communicate but also connect with humans on an emotional and intellectual level.

2. The most compelling characters, both in fiction and in real life, are those who defy simplistic moral judgments and embody a complex blend of strengths and flaws.

I argue that the most compelling characters, both in literature and in real life, are often those who defy easy categorization. They are not simply good or bad, strong or weak, but rather complex individuals with their own unique blend of strengths, flaws, and contradictions. This emphasis on complexity and nuance challenges simplistic moral judgments and encourages readers to engage with characters on a deeper level.

Practical Application:

For example, when designing a chatbot or virtual assistant, engineers should consider not only the functional aspects but also the personality and character of the AI. They could draw inspiration from literary characters, creating an AI that is not only helpful but also engaging, witty, and even a bit unpredictable. This would require moving beyond purely functional design and incorporating elements of storytelling, character development, and emotional intelligence.

The anxieties of the age – economic inequality, political polarization, the rise of populism, and the existential threat of climate change – are recurring themes throughout these essays. I argue that these anxieties are often exploited by demagogues and opportunists, leading to a decline in rational discourse and a rise in tribalism and violence. This analysis underscores the importance of civic engagement, critical thinking, and a commitment to truth and justice in addressing these challenges.

Practical Application:

An AI product engineer could apply this by thinking about the broader social and ethical implications of their work. They could engage in discussions about AI safety, algorithmic bias, and the potential impact of AI on employment and social inequality. By actively participating in these discussions, AI engineers can help shape the future of this rapidly evolving technology.

4. The increasing polarization of political discourse and the rise of online extremism pose a serious threat to democratic values and civic engagement.

The increasing polarization of political discourse and the rise of online extremism are themes that I explore in several essays. I argue that the internet, while offering unprecedented opportunities for communication and connection, has also become a breeding ground for hatred, intolerance, and misinformation. This analysis highlights the urgent need for critical thinking, media literacy, and responsible online behavior.

Practical Application:

For instance, AI systems designed for social media platforms could be programmed to identify and flag hate speech, misinformation, and other forms of harmful content. However, engineers must be cautious not to create systems that are overly restrictive or that censor legitimate forms of expression. The goal should be to create AI that promotes healthy and productive online discourse.

Suggested Deep Dive

Chapter: The Republican Party in 2016: Trump

This essay provides a prescient and insightful analysis of Donald Trump’s psychology and his appeal to a certain segment of American voters. It is particularly relevant for AI engineers, as it highlights the potential dangers of AI systems that are designed to exploit human biases and vulnerabilities, and the importance of building AI that promotes fairness, accuracy, and ethical decision-making.

Memorable Quotes

Vladimir Nabokov and the Problem from Hell. 18

Writers die twice: once when the body dies, and once when the talent dies.

Saul Bellow, as Opposed to Henry James. 35

When some new thought gripped his heart he went to the kitchen, his headquarters, to write it down.

Saul Bellow, as Opposed to Henry James. 36

All writers enter into a platonic marriage with their readers, and in this respect James’s fiction follows a peculiar arc: courtship, honeymoon, vigorous cohabitation, and then growing disaffection and estrangement; separate beds, and then separate rooms. As with any marriage, the relationship is measured by the quality of its daily intercourse—by the quality of its language.

Philip Larkin: His Work and Life. 67

Literary criticism…has restlessly searched for the Holy Grail of a value system – a way of separating the excellent from the less excellent. But it turns out that this is a fool’s errand.

On the Road: The Multicity Book Tour. 129

Poets shouldn’t drive. And that’s the truth.

Comparative Analysis

This collection of essays stands in contrast to more academic or purely political analyses of the figures and events discussed. Unlike purely political commentators, I am less interested in partisan arguments or ideological stances, and more interested in exploring the deeper psychological and social currents that shape our world. For instance, my analysis of the Republican Party’s shift towards Trumpism focuses on the underlying anxieties and resentments that fuel its base, rather than simply critiquing its policies. Similarly, my literary essays delve into the personal lives and motivations of writers like Philip Larkin and Saul Bellow, seeking to understand the complex relationship between their creative output and their personal experiences. This approach aligns with the work of writers like Christopher Hitchens, who valued intellectual honesty and rigorous questioning above all else. However, unlike Hitchens, my writing often employs humor and satire to illuminate uncomfortable truths and challenge conventional thinking.

Reflection

This collection serves as a kind of time capsule of my thinking and writing over a significant period of historical and personal change. While the essays offer insights into the anxieties of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, some of my predictions and pronouncements have, inevitably, been proven wrong. For instance, my optimism about the decline of nuclear threat now seems hopelessly naive, given the current global landscape. Similarly, my pronouncements on the death of the “B novel” have been challenged by the resurgence of experimental and language-driven fiction. Nevertheless, the collection stands as a testament to the enduring power of literature and language to grapple with the complexities of human experience, and to offer both solace and challenge to the reader. And as for my warnings about the dangers of figures like Donald Trump – well, the jury is still out on that one.

Flashcards

What is ‘elegant variation’, as discussed in relation to Henry James’s prose style?

It refers to the tendency to replace a precise word with a less precise, more ambiguous synonym, simply because it sounds more sophisticated or ‘literary’.

What is ‘nympholepsy’ and how does it relate to Nabokov’s work?

“The frenzy caused by desire for the unattainable.” It’s often used to describe an obsessive longing for something that is out of reach, particularly in romantic or artistic contexts.

What is a central theme in Jewish-American literature, as exemplified by Saul Bellow’s novels?

The tension between traditional Jewish values and the temptations of materialist America, often expressed as an anxiety of entitlement.

What is the “literary law” regarding the relationship between younger and older writers?

According to this law, younger writers will always be, to some extent, irritating to older writers. They embody the unwelcome message that “It’s not like that anymore. It’s like this.”

What does the term ‘instinctivism’ mean in relation to Saul Bellow’s writing style?

The tendency to favor instinct and emotion over reason and intellect.

What is a key characteristic of Bellow’s prose, both in fiction and nonfiction?

Extreme attention to detail, capturing the sensory richness of the world, often through unexpected or startling comparisons.

What is ‘the Age of Vanished Normalcy’?

A term coined to describe the sense of discomfort and alienation that pervades much of modern life, often fueled by the speed of technological change and the breakdown of traditional social structures.

What is a key insight from Norman Mailer’s book The Spooky Art about the nature of writing fiction?

The unconscious mind lays the foundation for a work of fiction; the conscious mind merely executes the plan.

What is the ‘Yeatsian principle’ that Philip Larkin adhered to?

According to this principle, writers should prioritize achieving perfection in their work, even at the expense of their personal lives.

What does it mean to be “O.J.-ed”?

To be bumped from the media schedule due to the excessive news coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial.