May 19 2008
Outline time again.
INFORMATION OVERLOAD outline
Thesis: the
- psychological effect of techniques of writing (information overload, nonlinear cut-up, abbreviations) surrealism
Brunner writes in a strange way where he offers a giant page of random information (headlines, stories, data, snippets of conversation, etc.). This cut-up technique does some strange psychological things to a reader.
- information overload. Very in piece with the book, as it’s the information age, Shalmenesar… But studies say that people actually retain less information during an information overload, which is in piece with how out of touch with reality some people are in this world
- non-linear. “Generally, nonlinear problems are difficult (if possible) to solve and are much less understandable than linear problems. Even if not exactly solvable, the outcome of a linear problem is rather predictable, while the outcome of a nonlinear is inherently not.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-linear
Makes the reader feel off kilter, confused, and the outcome of the book (or the Obami country problem -Beninia?) is unexpected.
- immense amount of slang/abbreviations.
- John Brunner’s novel is about overpopulation. The techniques he utilizes becomes part of his message, as they mirror the chaotic, non-linear, overwhelmed behaviour of a world brimming over with people. These affect the reader psychologically. Usually, techniques are used to move along a story, but his style of writing becomes part of his message. His message becomes his writing.
Alternative: Shalmanesar.
(Cleaning up tomorrow)
