sweater weather

Sweater Weather is a Substack focusing on essays that delve into literature, cultural critiques, personal reflections, and the exploration of feelings. It covers varied themes including the analysis of film and book adaptations, the nuances of the writing process, character development in fiction, societal norms and expectations, and reflects on contemporary and classic narratives.

Literature Cultural Critiques Writing Process Character Development Societal Norms Contemporary Narratives Classic Narratives Film Analysis Book Adaptations Personal Reflections

The hottest Substack posts of sweater weather

And their main takeaways

martin luther's wordle starter

1729 implied HN points • 06 Jan 22
  1. Wordle game offers a sense of scarcity and slower experience in the fast-paced online world.
  2. Online social media tends to lead to convergence and optimization, reducing novelty.
  3. Digital platforms now emphasize the illusion of scarcity to retain meaning and interest.

a dark room on the other side of the world

2103 implied HN points • 03 Aug 21
  1. The nature of truth-telling in fiction is paradoxical and complex.
  2. Writing honest fiction involves portraying complexities and tensions, rather than avoiding them.
  3. Creating moral art and fiction involves challenging ideologies and staying true to the complexities of human experience.

these white people is wild

1592 implied HN points • 07 Dec 21
  1. Season 3 of Succession is praised for strong character development and writing.
  2. The show's repetitive nature brings into question its ability to offer new narratives and resolutions.
  3. The analysis suggests that Succession may lack a deeper purpose or meaningful commentary, leading to a sense of watching without significant revelation.

i read your little internet novels

2614 implied HN points • 23 Mar 21
  1. In the current zeitgeist, the term 'Internet Novel' is more about social media than the internet itself.
  2. The Internet Novel depicts a Gothic horror of how online life corrupts and darkens our experiences.
  3. Many Internet Novels focus on the negative impact of online life, portraying a dystopian moral vision.

the chair is peak jeans in church culture

1827 implied HN points • 27 Aug 21
  1. The show 'The Chair' critiques academia but lacks nuanced exploration of power dynamics and systemic issues.
  2. Art in the modern age balances between quality and mass production, blurring the lines of what's considered 'good.'
  3. Wearing jeans in church reflects a contradiction in embracing hierarchy while claiming to reject it, emphasizing the importance of being honest about personal preferences.
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the tiny white people in our heads

2162 implied HN points • 11 May 21
  1. The importance of distinguishing between writing about black subjectivity versus black life as a black writer.
  2. The struggle with external expectations of truth in fiction and the notion of deception when writing novels.
  3. The challenge of expressing personal consciousness and creativity without being overshadowed by racial elements.

all that vibes must converge

1474 implied HN points • 12 Nov 21
  1. People's fashion choices often signal social status and personal identity.
  2. There is a desire to move towards handmade, personalized experiences away from social media influence.
  3. The act of sharing on social media can unintentionally lead to emulation and influence among others.

why the caged quadroon sings

1218 implied HN points • 18 Nov 21
  1. Franz Kline's abstract expressionist work evokes primal terror and regression of forms.
  2. Passing narratives involve escaping racism through deception and erasing one's past.
  3. The film 'Passing' lacks character depth and focuses more on racial theater than individual motivations.

not this morality play

1670 implied HN points • 31 Mar 21
  1. The music video by Lil Nas X caused a moral panic among Christians for its imagery and themes of persecution, temptation, and self-salvation through self-acceptance.
  2. The author reflects on their past experiences growing up in a religious environment and how leaving that belief system impacted their life and perspective.
  3. The text explores the cultural dynamics of America in the 2000s, discussing moral panics, societal judgments, and the intersection of Christianity and state politics.

this the country

1572 implied HN points • 22 Apr 21
  1. Consider the implications of laws and structures in America on Black Americans
  2. Reflect on the intersection of art and personal experiences in a family context
  3. Explore the complexity of family dynamics, memories, and artistic expression in the face of personal struggles

brutalism of the mind

1454 implied HN points • 04 May 21
  1. Contemporary novels focus on exploring the fleeting nature of consciousness and the mundane reality of life.
  2. These novels aim to capture the raw intensity of conscious awareness, resembling the visual austerity and materiality of Brutalism.
  3. These narratives delve into themes of solitude, agency, and the complexities of human relationships, weaving together moments of reflection and, at times, ambivalence.

the nest is prestige mumblecore

1022 implied HN points • 30 Aug 21
  1. Jude Law portrays a complex character in the film 'The Nest'
  2. The film captures the tension in a family unmade by bourgeois striving
  3. The visuals and physicality of the characters add depth to the storytelling

black at the met

943 implied HN points • 13 Sep 21
  1. The author recently had a short story published in The Yale Review and appeared on the NYT Book Review Podcast.
  2. Moving made the author reflect on what items are essential in their life.
  3. The author visited The Met for the first time and was moved by the ancient art, particularly the Medici portraits and modern American abstract art.

process art vibes: Bergman Island, The Souvenir pt. II, and Succession

786 implied HN points • 02 Nov 21
  1. The films _Bergman Island_ and _The Souvenir Part II_ explore autofiction and the process of telling stories through film
  2. The struggle of balancing personal experiences with art is portrayed in _The Souvenir Part II_, showing the challenges of creating personal work
  3. The film _Bergman Island_ delves into the complexities of storytelling, weaving multiple fictional threads and exploring the fusion of reality and fiction

the scammery of representation

1100 implied HN points • 27 Apr 21
  1. Book covers and design trends reflect the cultural moment and commercial influences.
  2. Abstraction in art challenges traditional modes of representation and invites new perspectives.
  3. The focus on representation in art and literature should not overshadow questioning larger societal structures.

how come these ghosts is white?

1120 implied HN points • 12 Apr 21
  1. Blackness has been historically treated as a grotesque experience.
  2. Black horror in art remains challenging due to the constant societal besiegement faced by black people.
  3. Contemporary Black Horror often uses irony and shifts racism into aestheticized horror.

rooney toons in ikea

825 implied HN points • 07 Sep 21
  1. The contemporary novel genre may have become predictable and monotonous with its focus on urban characters dealing with mundane activities.
  2. Companion pieces, such as essays and reviews, can provide a more holistic view of specific topics within literature.
  3. Engaging in conversations with authors and historians can offer a deeper understanding of their work and perspectives.

that carver boy be spitting

982 implied HN points • 06 Apr 21
  1. The author reflects on discovering and loving Raymond Carver's stories for their depth and relatability.
  2. Carver's writing style is noted for its dense feeling despite being swift and casual, with a talent for dialogue and capturing ordinary life.
  3. The discussion delves into the perception and misinterpretation of Carver's work in the context of contemporary literary and political discourse.

un petit update, iii

864 implied HN points • 07 May 21
  1. The author shares updates and highlights various recent works and achievements.
  2. Several notable individuals and pieces are mentioned, including Kiese Laymon, Tobi Haslett, Derrick Austin, and Thomas Dworzak.
  3. The author expresses gratitude towards readers for their support and discusses the importance of the newsletter in their current writing journey.

un petit update, ii

746 implied HN points • 02 Apr 21
  1. The story 'Otto' discusses black subjectivity, ambition, and purpose in art
  2. Black artists often face pressure to conform to the white gaze in their work
  3. Writing against the white gaze shouldn't still cater to it; it's about reclaiming true subjectivity

love and death in the american tiktok

746 implied HN points • 09 Mar 21
  1. Study by Fiedler explores struggles in depicting relationships in American novels
  2. Reading mid-century critics to learn about literature and art foundation
  3. TikTok represents a modern form of Romanticism with its emotional content and human portrayal

un petit update iv

530 implied HN points • 05 Aug 21
  1. The author shares updates on recent publications and upcoming events.
  2. The author recommends a novel named _Magma_ by Thora Hjorleifsdottir.
  3. The author teases about future reviews and events to come.

un petit update, as a treat

491 implied HN points • 19 Mar 21
  1. The author wrote a story about a black writer's self-examinations on blackness, art, and capitalism.
  2. The story was initially considered too rough and satirical, but the author believed in its critique.
  3. Despite initial anxieties, the story was well-received as an honest exploration of being a black writer today.

zola was kind of a zaddy, no?

432 implied HN points • 16 Mar 21
  1. Millennials are currently drawn to the 'Millennial Novel' aesthetic, which emphasizes sharp social commentary and self-aware characters.
  2. The 'Millennial Novel' genre aligns closely with Naturalism, exploring themes of social determinism, racism, sexism, and class limitations.
  3. There is a narrative tension in the 'Millennial Novel' between Naturalism (Zola) and Existentialism (Camus), questioning whether life is predetermined by societal systems or individual choices.

Toni Morrison

314 implied HN points • 06 Aug 19
  1. Toni Morrison's impact on literature and culture is immeasurable and cannot be easily summarized.
  2. Toni Morrison encouraged writers to challenge societal expectations and write authentically.
  3. Through her work, Toni Morrison reshaped imaginations and expanded possibilities in writing and in life.

in which i don't name names

294 implied HN points • 01 Aug 19
  1. Names in fiction can carry political and aesthetic weight.
  2. Choosing unique and meaningful names for characters can enhance the story and reader engagement.
  3. Plain, common names in fiction might miss an opportunity to strengthen the story's language and impact.

Why is Everyone Crying Online?

255 implied HN points • 08 Aug 19
  1. Digital spaces sometimes make us question the authenticity of crying responses to art.
  2. Crying online can be a way to express connection with current societal issues.
  3. Crying on social media can serve as a form of engagement and a way to communicate emotional reactions.

melancholic boy summer

255 implied HN points • 30 Jul 19
  1. The author experienced emotional instability and longing after returning from a trip to New York.
  2. The summer season brought a mix of joy and misery, with the author longing for relief in the form of cooler weather.
  3. The concept of 'sweater weather' is described as a mood of comfort, introspection, and respite from the world.

bro, where's my marriage plot

13 HN points • 18 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Gender Dynamics Marriage Capitalism
  1. The concept of the marriage plot has evolved over time in literature, reflecting shifts in societal norms and values.
  2. Certain men today exhibit characteristics reminiscent of those in traditional marriage plots, emphasizing wealth and status for the purpose of marriage.
  3. There is a connection between the traditional marriage plot, societal power dynamics, and the modern focus on relationships and material wealth.

CHEKHOV IS A GAY ICON

176 implied HN points • 04 Sep 19
  1. The author reflects on struggling with messiness and clutter in their life
  2. They draw parallels between their struggles and a character from Chekhov's 'The Seagull'
  3. Despite facing challenges, the author finds courage to confront their problems and start making positive changes

STANLEY TUCCI IS A TOP

157 implied HN points • 24 Sep 19
  1. Cleaning out your closet can be a cathartic experience, letting go of past aspirations and freeing up space.
  2. Finding clothes that make you feel good is like a mundane miracle, and having a specific aesthetic goal can be motivating.
  3. Stanley Tucci's appeal goes beyond just being hot; he exudes a unique charm and presence that captivates people.

WHY DO SHOES DROP ANYWAY?

157 implied HN points • 17 Sep 19
  1. The author expects the worst, so it's hard to fully enjoy good things
  2. Survival strategies can make it challenging to feel safe even in safe situations
  3. Patience and self-kindness are important when facing challenges and uncertainties

Jake Gyllenhaal is an Emotional Top

157 implied HN points • 22 Aug 19
  1. Instagram reflects your interests and obsessions in real-time through the explore tab
  2. Using Instagram's Following tab can reveal unexpected insights about the people you follow
  3. Engaging with social media can be a way to navigate personal struggles and develop self-acceptance

IS IT THIRST OR MORTAL DREAD?

137 implied HN points • 29 Aug 19
  1. People's desires can reflect a sense of mortal dread in today's world.
  2. Desire can be complicated by past trauma and a sense of power dynamics.
  3. Wanting to be destroyed can be a mix of fear, need, and unresolved emotions.

Henry James is Super Gay

117 implied HN points • 16 Aug 19
  1. Henry James's novel 'The Wings of the Dove' is intricate and rich in detail, but challenging to get into for readers accustomed to certain types of fiction.
  2. It's important to read authors' works before forming strong opinions about them, as their writing may surprise and captivate you.
  3. Don't be quick to dismiss or judge authors without exploring their work first, especially in today's fast-paced social media environment where opinions are quickly formed and shared.

WEIRDLY EARNEST

98 implied HN points • 10 Sep 19
  1. Teaching involves navigating power dynamics and hierarchies.
  2. Power dynamics impact relationships and interactions.
  3. Acknowledging and adapting to power differentials is crucial.

Friends, Writing, Summer: FAKE!

98 implied HN points • 20 Aug 19
  1. Dealing with extreme weather conditions by staying cool and comfortable in the summer is important for physical health and well-being.
  2. Writing a novel can be a challenging yet transformative process that influences one's creative output and writing style.
  3. Teaching a class focused on analyzing and appreciating the complexity of sentences and language can be a fulfilling experience for both the instructor and students.

hello, again

98 implied HN points • 26 Jul 19
  1. The newsletter will have small personal essays and more in-depth paid posts.
  2. The author wants to create a space for thinking, laughing, and learning.
  3. The first posts will be sent out next week.

BIRKS ARE FOR THOREAU BROS

78 implied HN points • 12 Sep 19
  1. Sporting apparel stores like Active Endeavors offer functional and serious clothing for outdoor activities.
  2. Birkenstocks are popular footwear that symbolize a certain lifestyle and personality.
  3. Memories of campfires and trash burning in Alabama reflect on cultural signals and personal experiences.

BILLY CRUDUP IS HOT NOW? WOW

58 implied HN points • 19 Sep 19
  1. The film 'After the Wedding' is a mix of confusing elements and inconsistent storytelling.
  2. The character of Billy Crudup in the movie 'After the Wedding' has sparked a newfound appreciation for his role and style.
  3. The portrayal of wealth in the film 'After the Wedding' focuses on the subtleties and trappings, rather than the typical flashy displays.