Overdue Podcast Episode 693 - "Piranesi" by Susanna Clarke
Introduction to "Piranesi" and Initial Impressions
In Episode 693 of Overdue, hosts Andrew and Craig delve into Susanna Clarke's novel, Piranesi. The conversation begins with light-hearted banter about the book's title. Andrew humorously remarks:
"Every time I see Piranesi, I'm like, but doctor, I am Piranesi. Like, that's... he just seems like the name of a sad clown." (01:07)
Craig complements Andrew's playful take, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the book's themes and structure.
Susanna Clarke's Background and Literary Journey
Andrew provides a brief overview of Susanna Clarke's literary background, highlighting her debut novel, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, published in 2004. He notes:
"Susanna Clarke was born in 1959... she spent some time editing cookbooks for Simon and Schuster before her novels gained prominence." (04:07)
This context establishes Clarke's transition from editing to crafting intricate fantasy worlds, laying the groundwork for Piranesi.
Structure and Style of "Piranesi"
The hosts discuss the unique structure of Piranesi, emphasizing its composition through diary entries. Craig explains:
"It is all diary entries. And so you are, with a little bit of exception, kind of locked into the perspective of Piranesi, who thinks this way." (19:27)
Andrew adds insight into the book's stylistic choices:
"It's a little, like, stream of consciousnessy... floaty. Dreamy." (16:57)
This dialogue underscores the novel's immersive and introspective narrative approach.
Setting: The Infinite House
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the book's setting—the Infinite House. The hosts describe it as a labyrinthine structure filled with countless halls, vestibules, and marble statues. Craig elaborates on the grandeur and complexity of this space:
"The ninth vestibule is remarkable for the three great staircases it contains. Its walls are lined with marble statues, hundreds upon hundreds of them, tier upon tier, rising into the distant heights." (15:05)
Andrew reflects on the emotional resonance of the setting:
"I have spent a lot of time contemplating this statue of the woman with the bee on her." (19:34)
The Infinite House serves as both a physical and metaphorical backdrop for the protagonist's journey, symbolizing exploration and confinement.
Character Analysis: Piranesi and The Other
The primary characters, Piranesi and The Other, are examined in depth. Piranesi, portrayed as meticulous and reverent towards his surroundings, maintains detailed journals:
"He indexes his journal. He has a journal just for the tides and a journal just for the statues. He's a very organized guy." (25:02)
Craig discusses the enigmatic figure known as The Other:
"The Other refers to it as a labyrinth. Like, that's... that's the thing." (35:16)
Their interactions are pivotal, with The Other representing a possible threat or collaborator, adding layers of mystery and tension to the narrative.
Themes: Seeking Meaning and Reality
The conversation delves into the overarching themes of the novel, particularly the human quest for meaning and the nature of reality. Craig posits:
"This is a book about why we seek meaning in the world and how sometimes that can be fruitless. But that doesn't mean that existence is fruitless." (30:50)
Andrew connects these themes to broader philosophical concepts:
"His understanding of the world, but not. But only through representation." (56:17)
The hosts explore how Piranesi's perceptions are limited yet deeply meaningful, reflecting on Plato's Allegory of the Cave and the search for truth within constructed realities.
Plot Overview and Key Events
Andrew and Craig provide a comprehensive overview of the plot, highlighting pivotal moments such as the discovery of other individuals within the Infinite House and the culmination of revelations about Lawrence Arne Sales' dark past.
Craig summarizes a critical turning point:
"And then he traps him there. Sure. The book kind of comes to a climax with this big flood sequence where 16 is there. She's a cop named Sarah..." (52:34)
Andrew adds a touch of humor while discussing plot complexities:
"He's counting, like, 14 skill nets. Yes, in part, this account." (38:07)
These discussions illustrate the intricate weaving of mystery, personal discovery, and the unraveling of hidden truths within the story.
Comparisons to Other Works and Listener Reactions
Throughout the episode, the hosts draw parallels between Piranesi and other literary and media works. Craig mentions:
"It reminds me of ICO and Shadow of the Colossus. It makes me want to play Myst." (60:34)
Andrew reflects on the book's alignment with themes from TV shows like Lost and Severance:
"It's like being trapped in this infinite house... similar to people watching Severance at the season..." (24:18)
Listener feedback from Discord adds diverse perspectives. For instance, Meg shares her evolving appreciation for the book:
“My experience of Piranesi was... I loved the first part of the book for how kind of strange it was, and I love when a book kind of forces Me to get on a perspective character's wavelength like this.” (46:34)
Impact of COVID-19 and Feeling of Entrapment
The hosts draw connections between the novel's themes of confinement and the real-world experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. Craig notes:
"A lot of people like this book because they were reading it during COVID and they were trapped in their houses. And it did give them a kind of like, you're in this trapped, but I gotta feel good about being trapped kind of experience." (59:17)
Andrew adds a personal reflection on the parallels:
"There are a lot of things about that time that I don't like revisiting... it's a distinct thing." (59:38)
This segment highlights how Piranesi resonates with listeners' experiences of isolation and searching for meaning during challenging times.
Final Thoughts and Conclusions
As the episode wraps up, Andrew and Craig synthesize their insights on Piranesi. Craig shares a poignant observation:
"The beauty of the house is immeasurable, its kindness infinite." (58:51)
Andrew concurs, emphasizing the protagonist's growth and newfound appreciation for the real world:
"He is, you know, extending his perception of the world that he was in to the real world that he now inhabits and like, seeing the connections between the two." (56:17)
The hosts conclude by reflecting on the book's enduring impact and its exploration of existence, reality, and self-discovery.
Notable Quotes and Attributions
- Andrew: "Every time I see Piranesi, I'm like, but doctor, I am Piranesi. Like, that's... he just seems like the name of a sad clown." [01:07]
- Craig: "It is all diary entries. And so you are, with a little bit of exception, kind of locked into the perspective of Piranesi, who thinks this way." [19:27]
- Andrew: "He indexes his journal. He has a journal just for the tides and a journal just for the statues. He's a very organized guy." [25:02]
- Craig: "The beauty of the house is immeasurable, its kindness infinite." [58:51]
Conclusion
Episode 693 of Overdue offers an insightful and engaging exploration of Susanna Clarke's Piranesi. Through thoughtful analysis and relatable comparisons, Andrew and Craig illuminate the novel's intricate narrative structure, rich themes, and emotional depth. Their discussion not only deciphers the complexities of the Infinite House but also connects the fictional quest for meaning with real-world experiences of confinement and self-discovery.
Whether you're a long-time fan of Susanna Clarke or venturing into her literary universe for the first time, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and appreciating the nuances of Piranesi.
Note: Timestamp references (e.g., 01:07) correspond to the points in the transcript where the quoted statements occur, providing context and enhancing the summary's fidelity to the original discussion.