Posted by LukeDolman on November 05, 2008 at 20:55:01 user LukeDolman.
In Reply to: Re: What happened to the Depression? posted by Duncan on November 05, 2008 at 19:29:07:
If you step back from the S&A books themselves, and think of this question in the context of AR's life, then I think you can make a pretty good case for his writing of these books being a form of escapism, into a world of his own invention, where real life worries such as the depression don't really feature at all.
His education does not seem to have been particularly enjoyable (I ran away twice from boarding school - I can sympathise), living in near-poverty for much of his career, a failed first marriage, his inability to settle in one place and even his continual search for the perfect boat - and regret for boats he'd once had and given up - suggest a character who was continually looking for greener grass. Or greener mixed-moss at least. Personally I think he created his greener grass in his books, which could also explain his apparent retreat in later years from the real-life folks who had inspired the characters in the first place.
Funnily enough my kids asked me last night "Was this set during the Depression? Was it like it is now Daddy?" Given the current economic climate I'm rather grateful for some escapism myself. Three Million Cheers for AR.