Experts Are Talking About This: How Should A Person Be By Sheila Heti
“How Should A Person Be?” by Sheila Heti is a genre-bending novel that has sparked considerable debate and discussion amongst literary critics and readers alike. The book, a semi-autobiographical exploration of art, friendship, and morality, challenges conventional notions of the novel and forces readers to confront uncomfortable questions about authenticity, identity, and the very nature of existence. This article delves into the key themes and controversies surrounding Heti’s work, examining its impact on contemporary literature and exploring the complex questions it raises about how we navigate the world and define ourselves.
Experts Are Talking About This: How Should A Person Be?
Sheila Heti's “How Should A Person Be?” isn’t just a novel; it's a cultural phenomenon that has ignited conversations across the literary landscape. Published in 2010, the book presents a unique blend of fiction, autobiography, and philosophical inquiry, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. It follows the protagonist, also named Sheila Heti, as she navigates her life as a writer in Toronto, grappling with questions of art, love, friendship, and, most fundamentally, how to live a good life. The novel's unconventional structure and its unflinching exploration of personal anxieties have resonated with many, while simultaneously drawing criticism for its perceived self-indulgence and lack of traditional narrative arc.
The Blurring of Fiction and Reality
One of the most striking aspects of "How Should A Person Be?" is its deliberate blurring of the lines between fiction and reality. Heti incorporates real people and events from her own life into the narrative, often using their actual names. This technique, sometimes referred to as autofiction, creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the reader into Sheila's world and making them feel like a confidante.
However, this approach also raises ethical questions about the responsibility of the author to their subjects. "I felt like I was betraying people," Heti admitted in an interview with *The Paris Review*, reflecting on the potential consequences of exposing the lives of those around her. "But I also felt like I had to write the book." This tension between personal expression and ethical considerations is a recurring theme throughout the novel, mirroring the protagonist's own struggles with authenticity and self-representation.
This blurring also forces the reader to actively participate in the construction of meaning. Are we reading a true account of Sheila Heti's life, or a carefully crafted work of fiction? The answer is likely somewhere in between, and the ambiguity is precisely what makes the novel so compelling. It challenges our assumptions about the relationship between art and life, and forces us to question the nature of truth itself.
Exploring the Question of Identity
At its core, "How Should A Person Be?" is an exploration of identity. Sheila is constantly searching for answers to the question posed by the title, seeking guidance from friends, lovers, and even strangers. She experiments with different roles and personas, trying to figure out who she is and how she should live.
The novel's fragmented structure reflects this sense of uncertainty and experimentation. It is composed of a series of vignettes, conversations, and reflections, rather than a linear narrative. This allows Heti to explore different facets of her personality and to present a multi-faceted portrait of the protagonist.
Furthermore, the inclusion of emails and transcripts of conversations adds another layer of complexity to the exploration of identity. These elements provide a glimpse into Sheila's inner thoughts and feelings, revealing her vulnerabilities and insecurities. They also highlight the performative nature of identity, suggesting that we are all, to some extent, playing a role in our interactions with others.
The novel delves into the complexities of being a woman in the 21st century, tackling themes of sexuality, ambition, and societal expectations. Sheila's struggles to reconcile her artistic aspirations with her desire for love and connection resonate with many readers, particularly young women who are grappling with similar issues.
Art and Authenticity
The pursuit of art and the search for authenticity are inextricably linked in "How Should A Person Be?". Sheila is a writer who is constantly questioning the value and purpose of her work. She struggles with self-doubt and fears that she is not good enough. She also questions the authenticity of her own writing, wondering whether she is simply imitating the styles of others or whether she is truly expressing her own unique voice.
The novel explores the idea that art can be a form of self-discovery. Through the act of writing, Sheila is able to process her experiences and to make sense of the world around her. However, she also recognizes the potential for art to be manipulative and dishonest. She is wary of the temptation to create a persona or to present a false image of herself.
The characters in the novel are also deeply involved in the art world, as painters, playwrights, and writers. Their conversations often revolve around questions of aesthetics, creativity, and the role of art in society. These discussions provide a rich context for understanding Sheila's own artistic struggles and her search for meaning.
The Role of Friendship
Friendship plays a crucial role in "How Should A Person Be?". Sheila relies heavily on her friends for support and guidance. She shares her thoughts and feelings with them, seeking their advice on everything from love to career.
The novel portrays friendship as a complex and often challenging relationship. Sheila's friendships are not always easy. She experiences moments of jealousy, competition, and conflict. However, she also values her friendships deeply and recognizes their importance in her life.
The dynamic between Sheila and her close friend Margaux, a painter, is particularly compelling. Their friendship is marked by both intense intimacy and underlying tension. They challenge each other, support each other, and ultimately help each other to grow. Margaux's bold and unconventional approach to art and life serves as a constant source of inspiration for Sheila.
The novel suggests that true friendship is about being honest and vulnerable with each other. It is about accepting each other's flaws and supporting each other through difficult times. It is also about challenging each other to be better versions of themselves.
Controversy and Criticism
"How Should A Person Be?" has not been without its critics. Some have accused Heti of being self-indulgent and narcissistic, arguing that the novel is too focused on her own personal experiences. Others have criticized the novel's lack of traditional plot and character development.
However, many readers and critics have praised the novel for its originality, honesty, and intellectual rigor. They argue that Heti's willingness to experiment with form and content has resulted in a truly innovative and thought-provoking work of art.
One of the most common criticisms is that the novel is too self-absorbed. Some readers find it difficult to connect with Sheila's constant self-analysis and her relentless questioning of everything. However, others argue that this self-absorption is precisely what makes the novel so compelling. They see Sheila's struggles as a reflection of their own anxieties and uncertainties.
Ultimately, the success of "How Should A Person Be?" lies in its ability to provoke a reaction. Whether you love it or hate it, the novel forces you to confront uncomfortable questions about yourself and the world around you. It challenges you to think about what it means to be a person in the 21st century and to consider how you should live your life.
Lasting Impact and Influence
Despite the controversies, "How Should A Person Be?" has had a significant impact on contemporary literature. It has paved the way for a new generation of writers who are exploring the boundaries between fiction and reality. It has also helped to popularize the genre of autofiction, which has become increasingly prevalent in recent years.
The novel's influence can be seen in the works of other contemporary authors who are experimenting with form and content and who are exploring themes of identity, authenticity, and the role of art in society. Heti's willingness to take risks and to challenge conventions has inspired many writers to push the boundaries of what is possible in literature.
"How Should A Person Be?" continues to be read and discussed by readers and critics around the world. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its originality, its intellectual rigor, and its ability to connect with readers on a deeply personal level. The questions it raises about how we should live our lives remain as relevant today as they were when the novel was first published. It's a book that invites introspection and encourages readers to grapple with the complexities of being human.
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