On more of a "meta" level, what makes a fantasy story "gritty" in the first place?
Macharius Send a noteboard - 19/12/2011 02:58:57 PM
I ask this because for the most part my observation of such is that "gritty" has meant the inclusion of detailed descriptions of violence, sexuality, profanity, etc (usually all rolled up into one) to enhance "realism" when the effect to me comes across as shock-value entertainment with no real purpose other than the spectactle of itself.
If people want that kind of shock entertainment, that's perfectly fine: indeed, I'm happy they have a source from which to indulge their interests.
For myself, however, the most notorious authors of such works (Goodkind, Martin, Bakker) have been the only authors whose books I never enjoyed and have been the only series I've never finished reading. In particular, I disliked Bakker so much I had to resort to skimming the latter half of the first book just to find out out happens when the description of the book and premise of the series is one I would normally find extremely interesting.
If people want that kind of shock entertainment, that's perfectly fine: indeed, I'm happy they have a source from which to indulge their interests.
For myself, however, the most notorious authors of such works (Goodkind, Martin, Bakker) have been the only authors whose books I never enjoyed and have been the only series I've never finished reading. In particular, I disliked Bakker so much I had to resort to skimming the latter half of the first book just to find out out happens when the description of the book and premise of the series is one I would normally find extremely interesting.
Violence, rape, and agency in the "gritty fantasies"
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Martin, Goodkind...
18/12/2011 01:58:33 PM
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On more of a "meta" level, what makes a fantasy story "gritty" in the first place?
19/12/2011 02:58:57 PM
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There has to be something more, though.
19/12/2011 03:47:56 PM
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Re: There has to be something more, though.
19/12/2011 05:29:30 PM
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Re: There has to be something more, though.
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20/12/2011 05:16:42 AM
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The Rhoynish influence pretty much ends in Dorne.
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And that makes sense?
20/12/2011 08:54:16 AM
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Yes and no.
20/12/2011 03:10:54 PM
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Re: Yes and no.
26/12/2011 03:12:01 AM
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The power and influence of women in the Middle Ages was limited, but not non-existent.
26/12/2011 01:37:40 PM
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Re: The power and influence of women in the Middle Ages was limited, but not non-existent.
29/12/2011 02:47:06 AM
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Re: There has to be something more, though.
20/12/2011 12:21:39 PM
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Re: On more of a "meta" level, what makes a fantasy story "gritty" in the first place?
26/12/2011 01:15:35 AM
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