Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange, Blog #1

Hum. How to discuss this novel...I thought about writing some creative analysis using Burgess' created Nadsat language (the slang used by the main character/narrator). I also thought about writing something incredibly misleading about puppies and kitties and happy smiling families. Nah. I'll just dive in.

This is book is not for the weak of heart or mind. Not saying anything about myself here...because I'm having more than second thoughts about this one, myself. Not only is the language something to make your brain hurt (imagine reading a book half in your native language and half in another one you haven't studied - full-immersion), but the images Burgess paints are vividly vile and violent. (ooh...alliteration!)

If you read this book, you must make sure to get an edition that includes all 21 chapters. Apparently, Burgess intentionally wrote the novel with 21 chapters and divided into three sections of 7 chapters each. SO, if you do read the novel, be sure to read Burgess' introduction as well. Primary sources are always good when trying to understand the "why" of a novel.

I plan to blog on this novel thrice: at the end of each section. So...section 1 - we are introduced to Alex, our 15-year-old protagonist. He has a gang of "droods" with whom he spends his evenings stealing, vandalizing, raping and beating...oh, and of course getting high on some sort of drug. Ah, teens today...Anyway, Alex is very intellectual but never remorseful. I think it's fair to share this little "spoiler" since it occurs fairly early on in the novel - he gets busted by the police and is in custody at the end of section one.

One quote of section one that jumped out at me was when the social worker is confronting Alex as to why he does what he does. "They don't go into the cause of goodness, so why of the other shop?" (Burgess, p 44) Alex spends a few moments theorizing on bad vs. good and he raises some interesting points...but I'll leave that for future readers...

My challenge is that if you choose to read this book, do so without the aid of A Clockwork Orange (guide to the language, dictionary, et. al.) It is a challenge but it really makes you think and pay attention.

Oh, and like A Million Little Pieces this is definitely NOT for kids...while the bizarre language masks a lot of the imagery, if you figure out the language, you'll be disgusted. Trust me. Like I said, lots of violence and rape and some more violence. Without remorse.

Strange read...I'm wondering why anyone would recommend it...perhaps as I read on I'll figure it out...