Why do I like The Three Musketeers?

[jack]

I've mentioned before how the Three Musketeers was always one of my favorites, I love the language. I was wondering why.

My theory is, other than that I just love playing with language, is that suddenly delving into detail and explaining the obvious ("D'Artagnan had a quick eye and a prompt understanding. He comprehended that the musket had not come there of itself, and that he who bore it had not concealed himself behind a hedge with any friendly intentions ... This was evidently an ambuscade") makes the characters seem larger than life while at the same time slightly bumbling, and the action exciting without ever being truly threatening.

In other words, a standard action movie, because we get to be excited by all the duels and hazards, without risking involvement. I find the historical distance helps me in this, unjustifiably.

Comments

[minipoppy.livejournal.com]

You so don't need a reason to love The Three Musketeers, other than that it is brilliant. Quism couldn't get on with the book at all - didn't like the self consciously strident yet bumbling narrative style. I do wonder how much of that is a translation issue.

[cartesiandaemon.livejournal.com]

ROFL. I don't need an excuse. I agree it's brilliant. Knowing why somehow makes me happy though[1]. "self consciously strident yet bumbling narrative style..." Yes! I guess maybe it isn't for *everyone* after all.

"I do wonder how much of that is a translation issue." Likewise. I don't think I've ever had different translations pimped to me. I do remember Umberto Eco talking about it (and I think translating, though I don't know if it's available), and saying that to him that style seemed very necessary, and on first pass he removed a lot of repetition (that in a normal novel would be condemned as horrendous) and on the second put it back.

[1] Yes, I'm one of those people who thinks rainbows are *more* beuatiful the more you understand them :)