Re: (Tears) Report on Probability A by Brian W. Aldiss

On 10/06/24 09:18, Don wrote:

William Hyde wrote:

Don wrote:

James Nicoll wrote:

Report on Probability A by Brian W. Aldiss
>
A New Wave tale of observational recursion,
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https://jamesdavisnicoll.com/review/a-straight-a-student

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Thank you for the embedded link to _The Hireling Shepherd_. It's another
example where an artistic image's blatant symbolism clobbers me in the
head with the force of the stupid hammer.
     _The Hireling Shepherd_ brings to mind a similar sexual situation in
_Fifth Business_ (Davies). The author, apparently an aficionado of
Shakespeare, kindly defines Fifth Business in his preface. Perhaps you,
in your role of theater staff member, also recognize the phrase, James.
>
     Fifth Business … Definition
>
     Those roles which, being neither those of
     Hero nor Heroine, Confidante nor Villain,
     but which were none the less essential to
     bring about the Recognition or the dénouement
     were called the Fifth Business in drama
     and opera companies organized according
     to the old style; the player who acted these
     parts was often referred to as Fifth Business.
>
     —Tho. Overskou, Den Danske Skueplads

>
>
Davies invented the term, and this quotation.
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It's a very fine novel nonetheless.  I like it more each time I read it.

 
It was thrown against the wall by me after its Stupidity Hammer hit
readers with hobo homosexual rape fantasies.
 
Danke,
 

The hobo did not commit rape but was a victim of a saint's beneficence.
There was perhaps rape of the youth by the fair worker though it was not
clear whether consent was granted. Minor details.
You have denied yourself a great read. If you haven't done so, I would
recommend you read one of his other trilogies which have nothing in
common with the Deptford IIRC.