1) This one is particularly annoying in Heinlein, where apparently the key to success in anything - not aging, or anything else - is just trying hard enough. If you don't succeed, you didn't work hard enough, you pathetic loser.
From your description, sounds like Bujold's SF is pretty much the same way. The only novel of hers I've read is a fantasy in which she massacres the entire cast of characters on about page 50, and then has to start all over again.
2) Contrast this with Tolkien, where the thematic purpose of eternal beauty and agelessness of the Elves is to focus on the awe and the envy this creates in those who don't have it, and - surprise! - the envy of Death among the Elves. Much more interesting.
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Non-aging
Date: 2008-11-01 04:33 pm (UTC)From your description, sounds like Bujold's SF is pretty much the same way. The only novel of hers I've read is a fantasy in which she massacres the entire cast of characters on about page 50, and then has to start all over again.
2) Contrast this with Tolkien, where the thematic purpose of eternal beauty and agelessness of the Elves is to focus on the awe and the envy this creates in those who don't have it, and - surprise! - the envy of Death among the Elves. Much more interesting.