Fran Lebowitz on Art as a Door, Not a Mirror
In a reflection on Netflix's adaptation of William Golding's "Lord of the Flies," critic Glen Weldon critiques the tendency to seek only self-representation in art. He recalls teaching writing and observing students' "literary narcissism"—caring only for works reflecting their own identity. Weldon acknowledges the importance of representation for marginalized groups but warns against limiting art to a mirror. He cites Fran Lebowitz's 2008 interview with Toni Morrison at the New York Public Library, where Lebowitz described books as "a door, or a window. A way out." The piece appears in NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour newsletter.
Key facts
- Netflix released a new adaptation of Lord of the Flies.
- Jack Thorne co-created the series and also co-created Adolescence.
- Glen Weldon taught writing at high school and undergraduate levels.
- Weldon observed students' 'literary narcissism' in caring only for self-reflective fiction.
- Fran Lebowitz spoke at the New York Public Library in 2008 with Toni Morrison.
- Lebowitz said people are taught to think of a book as a mirror instead of a door or window.
- The piece was published in NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour newsletter.
- Weldon read his notes aloud to himself and later saw the Lebowitz clip on Instagram.
Entities
Artists
- William Golding
- Jack Thorne
- Fran Lebowitz
- Toni Morrison
- Glen Weldon
Institutions
- Netflix
- New York Public Library
- NPR
- Pop Culture Happy Hour
Locations
- New York City
- United States