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"Nicholas Was..." is a very short piece by my favorite Neil Gaiman that offers a dark and twisted take on the character of Santa Claus. Here's an analysis of the story:
Contrast:
The story begins with descriptions of Santa Claus as a jolly and generous figure, with lines like "Nicholas was older than sin, and his beard could grow no whiter. He wanted to die." This opening sets up a stark contrast between the traditional image of Santa Claus and the darker, more melancholic portrayal that Gaiman is a master of.
Dark Imagery:
As the story moves on, Gaiman uses vivid and unsettling imagery to create a sense of foreboding and unease.
Phrases like "He couldn't die. He was Death" and "His sleigh, huge and black and drawn by the creatures of his nightmare" introduce elements of horror and supernatural mystery to the narrative.
Subversion of Expectations:
Gaiman's portrayal of Santa Claus as a figure associated with death and darkness subverts traditional expectations and challenges the reader's preconceived notions. This subversion adds depth to the character and invites readers to reconsider familiar stories and symbols from a new perspective.
Themes:
"Nicholas Was..." explores themes of mortality, identity, and the passage of time.
It delves into the idea of a timeless figure like Santa Claus grappling with his own mortality and the burden of his eternal existence. The story also raises questions about the nature of identity and how it can be shaped or defined by one's experiences and responsibilities.
Atmosphere:
Despite its brevity, "Nicholas Was..." effectively creates a haunting and atmospheric mood. The dark and mysterious tone, combined with Gaiman's evocative language, draws readers into a world that is both familiar and unsettling.
Overall, "Nicholas Was..." is a captivating and thought-provoking piece that showcases Neil Gaiman's ability to re-imagine and reinterpret familiar characters and myths in new and unexpected ways. It challenges readers to look beyond surface-level interpretations and to explore the deeper, darker aspects of well-known stories and symbols.
I'd like to hear your thoughts on both the flash fiction from Gaiman's Smoke and Mirrors or on his style in general.
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The foregoing is excerpted from Smoke & Mirrors by Neil Gaiman. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced without permission
Nicholas Was...
older than sin, and his beard could grow no whiter. He wanted to die.
The dwarfish natives of the Arctic caverns did not speak his language, but conversed in their own, twittering tongue, conducted incomprehensible rituals, when they were not actually working in the factories.
Once every year they forced him, sobbing and protesting, into Endless Night. During the journey he would stand near every child in the world, leave one of the dwarves' invisible gifts by its bedside. The children slept, frozen into time.
He envied Prometheus and Loki, Sisyphus and Judas. His punishment was harsher.
Ho.
Ho.
Ho.