Andrew Sean Greer: How This Age Will Be Remembered | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The narrator reflects on the aftermath of 9/11 and how it was a turning point in American history.

Key Insights

• 😨 The aftermath of 9/11 was marked by anxiety, repression, and fear, reminiscent of the early 1950s.
• 🫵 The narrator experienced conflicting views between rural Americans and foreign artists at McDowell Colony.
• 😨 The narrator grappled with their discomfort concerning excessive patriotism and the fear of xenophobia.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How does the narrator describe the time immediately after 9/11?

The narrator describes the post-9/11 period as a time of anxiety, repression, and fear, similar to the early 1950s. They believe it will be remembered as a dark time in American history.

Q: What was the narrator's experience at McDowell Colony during this time?

The narrator was at McDowell Colony in New Hampshire, a rural and isolated place. They encountered conflicting views between rural Americans and foreign artists, with the latter believing that America brought the attack upon itself.

Q: How did the narrator feel about the patriotism displayed in rural America?

The narrator felt uncomfortable with the strong patriotic display in rural America. They anticipated that it might lead to violence against Arabs, but at the same time, they felt a sense of connection and loyalty to their country.

Q: How did the narrator's perception of the importance of fiction change after 9/11?

Initially, the narrator believed that fiction and their upcoming novel were insignificant in the face of the tragedy. However, as time passed, they realized that fiction has a unique role in helping people comprehend and navigate difficult events that are challenging to understand through nonfiction.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The narrator believes that the aftermath of 9/11 caused anxiety, repression, and fear, similar to the early 1950s.

• While at McDowell Colony in New Hampshire, the narrator experienced conflicting views between rural Americans and foreign artists regarding America's role in the event.

• The narrator initially feared that there would be an increase in xenophobia and Arabophobia but was also bound to their country and experienced a shift in patriotism.