The more I think of the Foundation Series, the more admiration I have for Asimov's genius. And when I say Asimov's genius, I mean not only his characters, the plot, dialogues and descriptions. I also mean the figures of style, which give his writing a poetic touch.
Of all the figures of style, I mostly think of the antithesis, as a subtle and effective way to describe characters.
Of course, the main antitheses which I think of are the ones involving the Mule, used to describe both the Mule and his male counterparts throughout the Foundation Series. For example:
While the first has a mediocre intelligence and what I personally perceive as cute pretty features, the Mule's intelligence is way above average and his looks are not pretty, at least not according to what is generally considered a prettyboy.
While the first is strong and confident, the latter is frail and has an inferiority complex.
They are both, however, smart and competent, so the antithesis doesn't go that far in their case.
The first is arrogant, cruel, superficial (makes fun of others' looks), cowardly (when directly confronted with the Mules prays for the First Speaker to save him). The latter is the opposite, although there is an element of cowardice in him as well.
The First Speaker vs. the Mule
Again there is the antithesis between confidence and inferiority complex. The First Speaker displays cruelty bringing up those things which undermine the Mule's confidence, while the Mule displays anger. The first plays dirty, relying on blackmailing and secrecy, while the latter is open to a direct confrontation. The first one is motivated by self-righteousness, the latter by revenge.
Prince Dagobert vs. the Mule 🤣
No comment, absolutely no comment!
And in antithesis with all his male counterparts, the Mule is the only one artistically gifted.
The more I think of the Foundation Series, the less I believe anything will equal it. 😔
