Posted by Devin G. and Amanda E.
Because March is graphic novel month at the library, Amanda volunteered to "try out" an graphic novel that Devin suggested. Below is a discussion about the graphic novel after Amanda finished it.
Devin G:
Because March is graphic novel month at the library, Amanda volunteered to "try out" an graphic novel that Devin suggested. Below is a discussion about the graphic novel after Amanda finished it.
Devin G:
For graphic novel month, you read Ghost World by Daniel Clowes. It focuses on Rebecca and Enid, both
of whom struggle to come to terms with their lives after graduating high
school. Many critics have described it as being a frank look into the lives of
modern teenagers. Do you think these two actually capture the behavior of modern
teenagers? Are their struggles relatable?
Amanda E:
Enid and Rebecca definitely embody some of the stereotypical
behaviors of teenager-hood, like the self-assurance that your opinion is
absolutely correct and everyone else’s is absolutely wrong, the lack of empathy
and respect for the people around you (especially elders), and an arrogant and
absolute confidence in your world view.
I don’t know though, I know a lot of teenagers who don’t behave like
this so, maybe, Enid and Rebecca’s behavior has less to do
with being teenagers and more to do with being horrible people.
I also want to interject here that Clowes was in his early
to mid 30s when he wrote this and I think that that is reflected in his
interpretation of teenage/early adulthood from a female perspective. His characters are definitely not one
dimensional but they are not multi-dimensional enough to feel like real
people. They are definitely still
characters expressing a few facets of experience but lacking some of the really
important aspects.
As far as their struggles being relatable; I really think
they were. Much of the story has to do
with these two high school friends being so comfortable together that they can
speak with no filter but also realizing that maybe their friendship is holding
them back from becoming the adults they eventually want to be. Enid even says as much during one scene. The
truest part of the story, I felt, was the exploration of that time right after
high school but before you’ve moved on to the next thing. There’s a certain ennui mixed with terror
that I thought was captured really well.
Devin G:
You said you had seen the movie adaptation and enjoyed it.
Do you think the changes made to the story in the film were done for the
better? Does the movie manage to capture the overall feel of the graphic novel
despite these changes?
Amanda E:
It has been awhile since I watched the movie so I have a
slightly fuzzy recollection of it.
However, I found the movie characters of Enid and Rebecca, Enid
especially, much more likeable than the graphic novel characters. They were still pretty judgmental and self
absorbed but it was easier to understand that behavior as a reaction to being
marginalized. In the comic there was no
softening to the harsh edges of Enid’s character. I thought that the movie felt generally more
optimistic than the graphic novel. You
know how I said earlier that the comic characters weren’t multidimensional
enough? I think the movie does a better
job of creating deeper characters than the comic does. Of course, some of that can be attributed to
the medium.
Devin G:
The art style is different than any other graphic novel I've read. The characters are drawn realistically and the author uses only two
colors. For some reason it was incredibly hard for me to get used to. Did you
face any challenges with Clowes’ style? Do you think it detracts from the story
itself?
Amanda E:
I didn't struggle with his style at all. I thought the monochrome (duochrome?) style
really informed the subject matter. Rebecca and Enid are not bright, full spectrum
of the rainbow kinds of chicks. Persona
wise, I mean. The blue wash just really emphasizes
the character outlooks and their current place in life. I also really appreciated his realistic
style. Some of the characters and facial
expressions bordered on the grotesque but I thought that that choice was in
line with the emphasis of the story.
Devin G:
Who would be interested in Ghost World? Would you recommend it?
Amanda E:
I wouldn't not recommend it?
It is definitely not “feel-good” reading. I don’t know who I would recommend it
to. Teenagers? As an example of how not
to behave?
