Jane Austen, ever the insightful observer, offered witty and intricately crafted statements regarding the culture surrounding her. Had Twitter exited in her day, I imagine she would have stepped into the fray, cautiously, appalled by some users, intrigued by others.
And always, ever, observing and finding inspiration in the humans around her.
What do you think? Did I do justice to the beloved First Lady of Literature?
A couple months ago, I imagined a world in which Hemingway and Fitzgerald discovered Twitter. Today, it’s Shakespeare’s turn.
That’s my interpretation, anyway. What other famous, before-the-time-of-Twitter writers should I tackle?
It’s no secret F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of my favorite authors. He’s got that “it” factor everyone is looking for, a unique style (in the writing world, it’s called voice) that lets you read a line and say “aha! Yes, this is Fitzgerald.”
What’s particularly fascinating to me is his friendship with Hemingway. (The letters between them are delightful to read.) In terms of literary style, the two are night and day. Fitzgerald is form and Hemingway is function. Fitzgerald is “Shall I tell you a story?” and Hemingway is “Here’s what happened.”
I found myself wondering, what if Twitter were around when they were alive? What would they say? This is my best guess. (more…)