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ALL ABOUT BROTHERS
Ever since Abel followed Cain into the world, tales about brothers and their wondrous relationships, infamous behavior, selfless acts, daring feats, and tragic ends have made “good copy”.
History has recorded them. Literature has embraced them. Science has studied them. And Gossip remains ever ready to skewer them.
In memoirs, diaries and letters, in books, articles and news reports and, in occasional public commentary, brothers have been remembered with love, pride, sorrow, surprise and even with contempt. Rarely, it seems, have siblings been at a loss for words about their respective brothers.
What is it like to have a brother?
• Fanny Mendelssohn wrote lovingly of Felix.
• Ludwig van Beethoven spoke ill of Johann.
• John F. Kennedy had teenage problems with Joe but, for sister Kit, Joe was the best brother possible.
• Miley Cyrus Tweeted ecstatic about Trace.
• Steven Spielberg was pure entertainment when he "baby sat" his three sisters.
What is it like to be a brother?
• It took nineteen years for three teenagers to answer that question in full.
• Benjamin Disraeli and Benjamin Franklin were quick to assume responsibility for their sisters.
• James Havens was explicit about his relationship to Angelina Jolie.
• Evelyn Waugh loathed his sibling connection.
The idea for O Brother! came from a question asked me centuries ago in eighth grade: “What is it like to have a brother?” Betsy was an only child.
“OK, I guess,” was my shoulder shrug reply. David and Bobby were part of my daily life and I loved them dearly but I guess I took them for granted.
Remembering Betsy’s question a few years ago led me to wonder how siblings throughout history have felt about their brothers. One day at the East Hampton Library, I took the time to find out as I browsed its collection of memoirs and biographies for possible mention of a brother. All too soon, I realized that they meant far more to their siblings than many of us realize.
Sisters in India have known that for over 500 years (see page 70) They honour their brothers every year on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana. Most years, the family event Raksha Bandhan falls in the Gregorian month of August.
So, let us celebrate the first annual WORLD BROTHER'S DAY on 13 August, 2011.
I hope to publish O Brother! II in October 2011. So, if you have a brother or someone who is close and like a brother, please consider e-mailing me a quote or anecdote about him to obrother@optimum.net.
Do not forget to include your name and the city and country where you live. Look forward to hearing from you.
nhw
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