We've had multiple discussions in class at this point about what exactly constitutes the difference between "history" and "fiction," and I'm pretty sure the answer that we've all come to is that it's complicated. Like, unfortunately complicated. All of the novels we're reading for this class claim to be historic, and to a certain degree, they are. Ragtime and Mumbo Jumbo both incorporate very real historical events and figures. But of course they're not actual history they aren't that historical in their accounts. This is what makes Mumbo Jumbo such a pain in the ass to deal with, and I'm positive that Ishmael Reed is laughing at us for having these discussions. Mumbo Jumbo provides us with an absolutely bizarre meta-narrative that seems so ridiculous, it's morbidly close to reality. For the past 3,000 years, a secret society has been working to uproot humanity from its traditional, non-Atonist roots and move away from natu...
This is a nice unique spin on a common type of story. Tales of kings and popes falling in battle are nothing new, but this pope's character is bizarrely different from anything I've read or watched. The way he constantly justifies his acts to himself is constantly jarring and grating, which seems to be the intended effect.
ReplyDeleteAs somebody who was raised Catholic but is also very aware of the failings of the Church, I found this highly amusing. I really appreciated the wit and irony, especially considering the next thousand years of the Catholic Church that would follow. The lack of actual historical information that we have gave you the opportunity to really run with the story and I'm very glad that you made the most of that opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very funny story, and you’ve certainly captured some of the … ridiculousness that was the medieval Catholic Church. I’d never heard of this particular pope – was there really a lion involved in deposing him? Wasn’t the Pope historically more of a king than a holy man? I guess that explains some of the discrepancy. Obviously, telling this story from the eyes of John – a man who is clearly not at all holy or living up to his duties – makes it a pretty jarring diversion from what most of us today think of as the pope, but I’m guessing the personality you gave him was pretty close to historically accurate.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I was reading a caricature. At some point, I thought I was reading about Donald Trump caricature. At a certain point I thought I was reading a comedy rather than a historical fiction essay. Even though I think the story/arc isn't anything special, the character kept me there. I keep thinking, "What ridiculous sh*t is he going to say next." Very well done.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great story! I have always found the Catholic church to be incredibly interesting so I enjoyed reading your story of one of the popes. I think you have been able to a modern person with someone who was alive 1000 years ago incredibly well.
ReplyDeleteOkay, maybe I've just been reading a ton of the more "serious" stories people have to offer, but your story has a very bizarre persona. It's light-hearted and the tone fits the content quite well. I had a lot of fun reading it! I also enjoyed the time period you picked: you'd be hard pressed to find someone who knew what the Pornocracy was before reading this story, but I now feel as if you've passed valuable information to me about a period of history that may not be as important as others, but certainly memorable, if only for its title.
ReplyDeleteIt was hard for me to find your story as your blog was not labeled and I did not remember/expect the title to be porn XD. However, it was worth the search. You do an artful job of capturing a real historical figure in a way which is both entertaining and informative. I was even disappointed as it came to and end because I wanted to read more. Overall, very well done.
ReplyDeleteThis story is hilarious. Not that I expected anything else! I think you did a nice job of putting in the work with research to keep accurate what needed to be accurate but also of taking advantage of a situation where few things can actually be confirmed. I also liked the postmodern humor you incorporated when pope called otto's mom a whore.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely hilarious. (I particularly loved the medieval/metafictionak yo-mama jokes and, for some reason, the Virgin Mary vs "Madonna" gag.) Your title was, to say the least, very eye-catching, and your story did not disappoint. Your narrative style is ridiculous (/incredible), and, aside from being very enjoyable, helps to flesh out a sense of ludicrous corruption in the history of the Catholic church. Of course, lovely old John wouldn't see it that way -- bonus points for postmodernism!
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