[astrange]

I really don't understand why people quote fiction in support of a statement about real life. This seems to happen a lot with Mad Men, for instance. How are you supposed to know the author knows what he's talking about, except that he vaguely agrees with you?

[olefoo]

One of the functions of fiction is to hold a mirror up to reality. To allow the user to imagine themselves in a novel, or impossible situation, to inform their emotional perceptions. To live through a scenario in play rather than to face it for the first time in reality.