"The stories have been told so often by those of us who supported President Reagan over the years that they seem mundane, almost like a fictional novel or a movie script"
- William L. Jenkins
About this Quote
The quote by William L. Jenkins reflects on the repeated and almost mythic quality the stories surrounding President Reagan have actually obtained gradually. Jenkins suggests that for those who have supported Reagan, the anecdotes and stories about his management and presidency have ended up being so familiar that they have actually lost their preliminary radiance and excitement. The phrase "told so frequently" suggests a frequency and perhaps a passion amongst Reagan's fans to recount these tales, indicating a deep affection and a desire to keep his legacy alive.
Jenkins further draws a parallel in between these stories and imaginary stories, showing that the details have been decorated or glamorized to the point where they look like a "fictional novel or a film script." This comparison recommends that the stories, while based on real events, have been polished and provided in a way that boosts their appeal, perhaps at the expenditure of some accurate precision. This can take place when historical stories are retold to emphasize particular aspects over others, developing a coherent and engaging story that may prioritize entertainment or inspiration over subtlety.
Moreover, using the word "ordinary" is intriguing, as it suggests that what was as soon as regarded as impressive or significant has actually ended up being common. This might suggest that Reagan's advocates have actually grown accustomed to these stories, and they no longer evoke the same sense of marvel they when did. It reflects a process where amazing events are stabilized through repetition, a typical occurrence in how historic figures are remembered and mythologized.
In essence, Jenkins is discussing the transformation of historical narrative through oral custom. The stories of President Reagan that were when lively and fascinating have, with time, become embedded in cumulative memory in such a way that they mix aspects of history with the stylistic trappings of fiction, highlighting the natural stress in between memory, myth, and reality.
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