Talk:Narcissus and Goldmund

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I think that the synopsis of the novel found in this article deviates from mere description and gets deep into the realm of interpretation. I think the interpretation is astute, but I wonder if this is appropriate for a synopsis. I'm not so experienced at writing Wikipedia articles, so I won't change it.

Contents 1 What is this (unsourced) claptrap? 2 Narcissus? 3 Obfuscating Terminology 4 Homoerotic

[edit] What is this (unsourced) claptrap?

"Many basic natural emotions we possess have been subdued over time because of our intelligence. But the Ecstasy/Pain spectrum is the one major thing that still connects us to the natural world, these pure animal feelings that no one is ashamed of."

No one is ashamed of, if there were one taboo, shame binding affair that would be ecstasy and pain.

"These feelings come from our nature, and all humanity will forever be attached to it because of our most important emotions, the emotions that form the basis of all other emotions, the worst, most intense pain and suffering, and the greatest feelings of elation and ecstasy we could possibly imagine. We will never be able to escape these physical feelings, no matter how advanced our science or subdued our natural instincts."

So which exactly are the feelings that DO NOT come from nature, but come from, uh, the great beyond say?

[edit] Narcissus?

In my version of the book, the title is Narziss and Goldmund. Why is this different? I have a UK version which it says is not to be distributed in the USA. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 81.97.105.79 (talk) 00:37, August 23, 2007 (UTC)

I don't think you should read too much into this difference. In German the flower known as narcissus is called Narziss. Presumably the translate of your volume found it more appropriate to use the German term. (This is typical of the kind of trade-offs translators face).

By the way, neither Narziss nor Goldmund are common in Germany. In fact you would be quite unlikely to encounter someone bearing either name.

--Philopedia 04:23, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Obfuscating Terminology

While the terms Dionysian and Apollonian (used in the article) are quite poetic, I wonder whether they might not confuse some readers. Might it not be more to the point to talk about the contrast between a sensual and an intellectual nature?

--Philopedia 04:26, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Homoerotic

It might be worth mentioning the homoerotic overtones in this novel. Opinions?

--Philopedia 04:29, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

After reading this, I came on here to see if it mentioned the homoeroticism I noticed. That would be helpful. -Clockwrist (talk) 03:57, 19 January 2008 (UTC)