“Television” is a story about the desperate escape from reality, needed by all those it encompasses. This escape revolves around the idea of television and how it allows you to focus on a reality that is different from your own. Based around a family who spends the remaining hours of a night together, “Television” explores a relationship based on a fictional reality.
The author, Lydia Davis, approaches this very carefully because she does not want to give the impression of a false foundation, which leads to a false relationship. Instead, she spends her time explaining how the family does not want to be huddled by the television, yet it is routine. For example, Davis states, “It is not what you want to be doing. It is that you are passing the time” (211). By establishing this fact, Davis can now explore the connection experienced by the whole family within that moment in time.
The story does a good job of describing the television programs being viewed, which is very important. This is the case when Davis describes her family lusting after certain reporters because without actually knowing it, they are all connected in a conscious sense. Davis does an excellent job connecting the characters in a realistic fashion, which goes to show their relationship is built on real moment.
The only downside to the story, in my opinion, is the lack of emotion. I feel Davis needs to add more emotion depth with the family, so the reader has something to hold onto within them. While I understand why she had a lack of emotional expression; I believe it would enhance the realistic value of the story. Yes, it is one about an escape from reality, but this realization takes a toll on families.
Overall, this story is built around a great concept and explores the modern day family from a completely different perspective. By doing that, Davis has created a story more relatable than most and does so through the one thing modern America loves, the television.
It's interesting that you found the narrator emotionless yet the story was relateable. How does Davis *do* that?
ReplyDeleteAs a side note, I like your picture--you look like some kind of charismatic CEO.
I believe Davis achieves that by creating a modern day characteristic of people. In my opinion, she is conveying how people subdue their emotions, especially around families. This is because of how much some families must sacrifice to get along with one another. I see it as a critique to families who build their lives around false foundations.
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