Questions About The Recognitions

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Answered Questions (4)

Which would you read first: The Recognitions by William Gaddis, Against the Day by Thomas Pynchon, or Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace?

Loring Wirbel I honestly think any of Pynchon's longer works, as well as Infinite Jest, provide more coherent story lines and more self-deprecation than does The Re…moreI honestly think any of Pynchon's longer works, as well as Infinite Jest, provide more coherent story lines and more self-deprecation than does The Recognitions. I like all of Gaddis's work, but think his first novel took itself far too seriously. Many elements of story progression literally have to be dug up at the williamgaddis.org wiki, because even a careful reader will fail to find the subtle clues that lead one from one scene to another.(less)

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What is the significance of plagiarism in the book? Throughout the novel, numerous characters plagiarize from various sources (i.e.: literature, plays, paintings, etc.), and try to profit from them, and these plagiarism incidents seem to shake up the community.

Stephen Blower I don't know if the question is rhetorical, but here's what I would say: The center of the novel is (according to Gaddis) the play upon the word "forg…moreI don't know if the question is rhetorical, but here's what I would say: The center of the novel is (according to Gaddis) the play upon the word "forge" in both it's meaning of creating and imitating through fakery. They both signify "making," and the idea is what makes one art form desirable and valuable and the other considered base and without value? But the novel takes a cynical approach to these ideas, as everyone may turn out to be a 'forger' in the end, in both senses. At least that is my opinion.
That said, it is an excellent novel if you are up for the challenge. It holds many rewards once you work your way through. A big help was williamgaddis.org/recognitions/trguid....(less)

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Are there any books that would be good preparations to reading this book?

Jordan Gaspard An easy answer is another work by Gaddis, such as JR or one of his shorter works like Carpenter’s Gothic and Agape Agape to get a sense of his style a…moreAn easy answer is another work by Gaddis, such as JR or one of his shorter works like Carpenter’s Gothic and Agape Agape to get a sense of his style and themes explored. Other authors in the similar vein would be David Foster Wallace (although his book Infinite Jest is even longer, you can try a collection of his short stories such as Girl With Curious Hair) who shares the same writing style, broken dialogue, and erudite information in his fiction. Another novel that shares similar styles would be Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry, and possibly The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon. There’s also great resources for the numerous references Gaddis makes throughout the book online as well. Hope this helps. (less)

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I'm 26 years old and the most difficult books I've read so far are Moby Dick and Infinite Jest. Is it too soon for me to begin reading The Recognitions?

Adam No. I was around your age the first time I read it in the irredeemably corrupt Avon version. I'm now 34 and have read it three complete times. You wil…moreNo. I was around your age the first time I read it in the irredeemably corrupt Avon version. I'm now 34 and have read it three complete times. You will be hooked, and every time you reread it you will find a better book than you remembered. Eventually you will want to read Stephen Moore's Readers Guide (available online) alongside the novel itself, it really expands the significance. (less)

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