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    A 21st Century urban epic4

    Monika Stasiak The Corrections is an epic of American middle class life in the 21st Century. Its character development is its standout feature. Each of the main characters contributes a stream of consciousness narrative episode; these could be strong stand-alone stories but are also elegantly linked to each other. All characters are genotypes in America's contemporary cultural landscape, but Franzen delves deeply into their minds to create individuals and consequently each character is exquisitely full of memories, stereotypical behaviours and external accessories. Franzen masterfully creates layers of interaction and events that map each character's path; this is symbolic of emotional and physical 'clutter' created by families across generations.

    As a sub-theme, Franzen explores the concept of a tragedy most powerfully delivered as a farce, but this is also a skilful element of his narrative. Characters verge on hysterical and hilarious, illuminating the human strategy of 'numbing' pain by shrouding it in caricature. This technique encourages the reader to engage in the humour also: if you didn't laugh, you'd cry. by Monika Stasiak

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