The quote suggests that during the 19th century, people were unaware of post-modern irony, a concept that emerged much later. It also implies that at that time, dime novels were produced without any sense of self-awareness or critical reflection about their content and style. Essentially, it paints a picture of an era where storytelling was straightforward and lacked the complex layers of meaning found in contemporary literature.
The deeper meaning behind this statement touches on the evolution of literary forms and the way people perceive reality and fiction over time. The quote hints at how modernism and post-modernism introduced new ways to view and create stories, infusing them with irony and self-awareness. This shift reflects broader changes in society's attitudes towards truth, knowledge, and communication. By mentioning "dime novels," the speaker is referring to a form of popular literature from that era characterized by simple narratives and sensational plots, often disregarded by critics as lacking depth or artistic merit.
Clive Sinclair is known for his work in electronics and computing rather than literary criticism. He was an influential figure in the British technology industry during the late 20th century, famous for founding Sinclair Research and contributing to early personal computer designs and consumer electronics. The quote, however, seems to be more aligned with cultural commentary rather than his primary field of expertise, indicating a broad intellectual range beyond just technology.
