Moon Palace by Paul Auster

Résumé du document

While some readers found reading ?Moon Palace' a moving experience, others felt that the string of coincidences seemed too unbelievable. In this article, I will attempt to present my interpretation of the author's aim in writing it. The protagonist MS, receives a response to the orbituary he sent to Art world by the editor, that states:"I don't know who you are either, Mr Fogg, but it sounds to me as though you've created an elaborate hoax. That doesn't mean your story isn't compelling, but I think that you might have better luck publishing it if you dropped the charade and submitted it somewhere as a work of fiction" (chapter 6). The editor goes on to underline the inconsistencies in the plot and advises M.S not to continue his attempts publish his writings in the form of an obituary. There appears to be a connection between this recommendation and what the author Paul Auster wanted to express in this book. It is evident that the plot is punctuated by numerous coincidences but such coincidences might be a part of the definition of a work of fiction.

Extraits

[...] It was a node of impenetrability, and it seemed that nothing but some crackpot solution could account for it: strange conspiracies of matter, precognitive signs, premonitions, a view of the world similar to Charlie Bacon's. I dropped my essay on Tesla and began exploring the question of coincidences [ M.S chapter 6. Coincidence is therefore not only a way for the author to develop the course of the plot but it is also at the heart of the novel's profound meaning and sense. If coincidences are at the center of Paul Auster's novel, it is mainly to underline the parallel between the three main character's experiences. [...]

[...] Moon Palace by Paul Auster Did you find reading Moon Palace a moving experience or did the string of coincidences seem too unbelievable to you? Explain with references. don't know who you are either, Mr Fogg, but it sounds to me as though you've created an elaborate hoax. That doesn't mean your story isn't compelling, but I think that you might have better luck publishing it if you dropped the charade and submitted it somewhere as a work of fiction” (chapter After sending Effing's obituary to the Art World Monthly magazine, M.S receives the editor's response. [...]

[...] Effing's approach towards liberty will also be fatal. Freedom of movement and expression is his vision of liberty and his outdoor trip during a storm will be his last. This crippled and blind old man tries to reach freedom by putting his personal life in danger, perfectly knowing the consequences of his decision to go outside in the rain at night. We can see that parallel lines can be drawn between the character's experiences both underlining similarities in their lives and a constant quest for liberty and freedom. [...]

[...] M.S's peregrination throughout Central Park is a way of approaching nature's essence and of feeling the effect of the elements on an emaciated individual. Effing's fascination for Tesla, a man who always wanted to control the physical universe, mixed with his obsession to control the course of his destiny may be this old man's expression of the shared will to have an impact on elements. Barber is also fascinated by the relationship between fate and the scientific course of things. [...]

[...] For example, when M.S finds shelter from the pressure of the Manhattan streets in Central Park, it is difficult to believe that Zimmer and Kitty were able to rescue him when he could have been anywhere else. M.S is also very lucky to recover from his delirium and find out that his obligation for the army physical takes place the following day. How can we believe that Effing, in the middle of nowhere, could find a cave inhabited by a dead hermit? All these elements constitute what I will call plot coincidences. [...]