Kirsty Young Interviews Philip Pullman
Philip Pullman: Five Things We Learned
Celebrated author Philip Pullman has captivated readers of all ages with his captivating stories, most notably the His Dark Materials trilogy. In a recent interview on the BBC Radio 4 podcast Young Again, Pullman spoke with Kirsty Young. They delved into his life and writing process. Let's explore some of the key takeaways from their conversation.
A Passion Ignited: The Power of an Inspiring Teacher
From a young age, Philip Pullman felt a deep connection to writing. However, it was an extraordinary teacher, Miss Jones, who truly ignited his passion for storytelling. Pullman credits her with fostering his love for the written word. She placed a strong emphasis on the expressive potential of language. Additionally, she allowed students to hear poetry aloud, emphasizing its essence as a spoken art form. This approach resonated deeply with Pullman, inspiring a visceral reaction.
The Author's Domain: Writing vs. Reading
Pullman's legions of devoted fans sometimes express strong opinions about his work. Kirsty Young questioned if this creates a sense of pressure. Unsurprisingly, Pullman held firm in his conviction that the creative process is fundamentally his domain. He emphasizes the autonomy and power a writer holds over their narrative. Conversely, Pullman views the act of reading as intrinsically democratic. Readers are free to draw their own interpretations and find personal meaning in the text.
Loss and Mystery: The Death of Pullman's Father
Tragedy struck Pullman's family when he was just seven years old; his father, an RAF pilot, died in a mysterious plane crash in Kenya. Due to his father's frequent absences, Pullman admits that he felt a sense of distance from him. Consequently, he found it difficult to fully process the grief and sense of loss typically associated with the death of a parent. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain a source of intrigue for Pullman; the experienced pilot's accident seemed uncharacteristic.
Unanswered Questions: Lingering Thoughts About His Mother
The year following his father's death, Pullman's mother remarried. She and her new husband went on to have more children. Sadly, Pullman acknowledges that his mother passed away before he had the opportunity to ask her deeper questions about her divorce from his father. Old photographs have sparked his curiosity, hinting at a connection between his mother and her future husband – a connection that was not apparent to him at the time. This realization has left Pullman with lingering questions and a touch of regret.
Missed Opportunities and the Wisdom of Trollope
Looking back, Pullman expresses some regret about his shyness with girls as a teenager. However, he believes he could have learned valuable lessons from the works of Victorian novelist Anthony Trollope. Pullman admires Trollope's keen insights into human nature and social dynamics. If given the chance, he would advise his younger self to be more courageous and straightforward in expressing his feelings.
Parallel Worlds: Faith and Fantasy in His Dark Materials
One of the most controversial aspects of Pullman’s work is his exploration of religious themes, particularly in the His Dark Materials trilogy. Some readers have interpreted aspects of the series as a critique of organized religion. However, Pullman has consistently maintained that his work isn't about attacking faith, but rather questioning authority and dogma. He believes in the importance of challenging what we are told to believe without questioning.
Storyteller at Heart: Adapting the Stage
Although best known for his novels, Pullman has a long-standing interest in theatre. He has adapted several of his stories for the stage. And, notably, His Dark Materials was transformed into a major production at the National Theatre. The process, he explains, required a shift in thinking and writing style. The audience's experience is much more immediate and visceral with live theatre.
Beyond Books: Pullman as Illustrator
Readers may be surprised to learn that Pullman also possesses artistic talent and has illustrated some of his own works. In fact, he sees the acts of writing and drawing as complementary parts of his creative process. Visualizing characters and scenes helps him develop them more fully as he writes.
"Never Retire": Pullman's Enduring Drive
With a career spanning decades and countless publications, one might assume that Pullman would be content to slow down. But, retirement is not on his agenda. He confesses that he would be incredibly bored without the challenge and satisfaction of writing. The drive to tell stories, explore ideas, and create new worlds remains as strong as ever.
Advice for Aspiring Writers: Read, Write, and Never Give Up
Kirsty Young, of course, asks Pullman if he has any advice for young people who dream of becoming writers. His answer is straightforward and emphasizes dedication. Foremost, he urges aspiring writers to read widely and voraciously—to immerse themselves in the works of others. Second, he stresses the absolute necessity of consistent practice: write every day, even if it's just for a short while. And finally, he emphasizes perseverance. The writing world can be competitive, and rejection is commonplace. But with persistence, Pullman believes that talent and dedication will prevail.
Inspiration Strikes: Myths, Fairy Tales, and the Power of the Subconscious
Pullman draws creative inspiration from a wide range of sources. Myths and fairy tales, in particular, hold a deep fascination for him. He sees them as timeless stories that tap into universal human experiences and archetypes. Additionally, Pullman believes that the subconscious mind plays a significant role in the writing process. Ideas and characters can sometimes emerge in his imagination almost fully formed, seemingly from nowhere.
"Every Story is a Ghost Story": Exploring the Unexplained
Pullman's stories often feature elements of the supernatural or fantastical. He is drawn to the shadowy corners of the human experience, the things that can't be easily explained or rationalized. In fact, he claims that in some sense, every story is a ghost story. Even the most grounded narratives, he argues, explore themes of loss, memory, and the lingering presence of the past.
Collaboration and Companionship: The Importance of Community
While writing can be a solitary pursuit, Pullman acknowledges the importance of community and collaboration. He maintains a close relationship with his publisher and values their input. Moreover, his wife, Jude, has played an integral role in his career. She served as his first reader for many years. He describes her as an astute and supportive critic.
The Joy of Making Things Up: The Delight of Creative Freedom
Kirsty Young asks Pullman to reflect on the most fulfilling aspects of being a writer. His answer is immediate and enthusiastic. He relishes the freedom that comes with creating his own worlds and characters. In a sense, he sees writing as a form of play – an opportunity to experiment, invent, and explore the limits of his imagination.
Words as "Rough Tools": The Imperfect Art of Language
Despite his mastery of language, Pullman doesn't see himself as a linguistic purist. He views words as practical, flexible tools meant to serve his storytelling needs. He is willing to bend and stretch the rules of grammar if it enhances the narrative's rhythm and emotional impact. More importantly, he believes that a story should always prioritize clarity and accessibility over unnecessary linguistic flourishes.
The "Republic of Heaven" Controversy
His Dark Materials explores themes of power, authority, and the nature of good and evil. In the final book of the trilogy, The Amber Spyglass, Pullman introduces the concept of the "Republic of Heaven." This storyline and its potential interpretations sparked considerable controversy. Some readers accused Pullman of promoting atheism. Others celebrated his daring and imaginative exploration of spirituality. Pullman himself rejects the idea that his work is intended as a religious polemic. Instead, he encourages readers to form their own interpretations and engage in critical thinking about the nature of belief.
"The Secret Commonwealth" and The Return of Lyra
Pullman has continued to expand the world of His Dark Materials with his series The Book of Dust. The first volume, La Belle Sauvage, is a prequel set years before the events of the original trilogy. However, he later brought back the beloved character of Lyra Belacqua in The Secret Commonwealth. This book follows a now-adult Lyra as she navigates a complex and dangerous world.
Tackling Complex Themes for Younger Readers
Although his young adult novels grapple with heavy themes, Pullman doesn't shy away from challenging material. He believes that children and teenagers are capable of understanding complex ideas. Moreover, he trusts younger readers to draw their own conclusions about morality and the human condition. He is wary of being didactic in his writing.
Pullman's Legacy: A Lasting Influence
Philip Pullman's work has had a profound impact on countless readers worldwide. His stories are celebrated for their imaginative power, intellectual depth, and emotional resonance. Furthermore, his willingness to confront controversial and challenging themes has made him a vital voice in contemporary literature.
Still More Adventures to Come
Pullman has hinted that more stories may be on the horizon – both within the world of Lyra Belacqua and in entirely new realms. And, for his many devoted fans, this comes as welcome news. His ability to surprise, delight, and provoke thoughtful reflection remains as strong as ever. Readers can look forward to whatever imaginative adventures he may dream up next.
In Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Storytelling
Philip Pullman's remarkable career is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. From his childhood fascination with the written word to his global fame – his journey embodies the potential for stories to captivate, challenge, and inspire. His willingness to grapple with big questions about faith, morality, and the nature of reality gives his work a timeless quality.
While the worlds he creates are often fantastical, Pullman's stories are ultimately grounded in deeply human themes. He writes about love and loss, courage and betrayal, the search for meaning and the struggle against oppression. These experiences, he shows us, are universal. They transcend age, culture, and the boundaries between reality and imagination.
One of Pullman's greatest strengths as a writer is his accessibility. His prose is lucid and engaging. Even when dealing with complex ideas, he never loses sight of the importance of a good story. And perhaps most importantly, his work never becomes cynical or condescending. He respects his readers, particularly his younger ones, by taking their intelligence and emotional maturity seriously.
Pullman's willingness to engage with controversy shouldn't overshadow his playful and imaginative spirit. He delights in pushing boundaries and testing the limits of what stories can do. Yet, through it all, there remains a deep sense of empathy and humanism in his work. His characters, even when flawed, are never simple caricatures. He invites us to see the world through their eyes, to understand their motivations, and even to question our own assumptions.
Philip Pullman's stories remind us that the imagination is a powerful force – a tool for exploring possibilities, confronting complex truths, and finding profound meaning in the world around us. Whether he is delving into the multiverse or re-examining classic myths, he ultimately seeks to awaken a sense of wonder, curiosity, and critical thinking in all of us. And in doing so, his legacy as a master storyteller will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
