• Farman [any]@hexbear.net
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    1 year ago

    Heinlein also claimed the book its “swiftian in intent” its just done dry. And probably wouldnt have been adapted well to tv.

    That being said in the book it was clear carmencita was way out of jhonys league and he was very aware of that. While other heinlenian heroes are generally horny.

    Another difference from the heinlenian hero is that jhony is not very smart. He lacks agency and any positive agenda. He just stumbles around.

    • Dagwood222@lemm.ee
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      1 year ago

      ‘Johnny lacks agency.’ Well, he was a brand new high school grad who thought owning an Olympic size pool was normal. He joins up because his buddy was going in, and then is too proud to quit.

      • Farman [any]@hexbear.net
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        1 year ago

        Exactly. He just goes with the flow. No soul of his own. Just another cog in a fascist machine.

        This is even more notisable when you compare him with other heninlein protagonists who are also teenagers and join the army or simmilar institutions. They have their own agendas and goals.