In the given quote, Billy Collins expresses his growing disinterest in plot-driven novels where the main focus is on events rather than character development. He specifically mentions not caring about the outcome of certain scenarios, such as whether a character named Emily marries Tom or not. This suggests that for him, the emotional investment in characters' lives and their growth are more crucial to his reading experience than simply following the twists and turns of a story.
Delving deeper into Collins's sentiment, we can see that he values literature that offers meaningful insights into human nature and personal relationships rather than just presenting exciting plotlines. This preference reflects a broader trend in contemporary literature where character-driven narratives often resonate more deeply with readers by exploring complex emotions and interpersonal dynamics. The quote also hints at the evolving tastes of literary enthusiasts who seek depth, psychological complexity, and emotional authenticity from their reading material.
Billy Collins is an American poet known for his accessible style that connects with everyday experiences and emotions. His work frequently explores themes of nature, personal reflection, and the mundane aspects of life, which aligns well with the sentiment expressed in the quote about valuing character depth over plot complexity.
