One reason why Frantzen is not appreciated by more Americans is they have no sense of humor. They have no distance on themselves. Frantzen is (like Chekhov) a misunderstood comedian. These are the lives these people lead (the many in their society) and by putting them out there in a work of art, he hopes there is enough distance for people to laugh at the characters’ motives but afterward realize their motives are similar. Their lives are laughable. “You must change your life.” I read Frantzen, relate, and laugh. The irony is I am viewed by many people as overly serious when in fact I see the humor of our American lives more than they do.
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