In an attempt to account for the extraordinary popularity and influence of the novels of Robert Heinlein, it would be all too easy to assert that the masses are asses and let it go at that. Those of us academics who read Heinlein are likely to admit it with an apology, acknowledging that we realize his literary merit is probably small and our weakness in enjoying his work a minor character defect. We feel we should not relish his opinionated expressions…. We note that frankly didactic literature has always had a relatively small but devoted readership, especially among those whose prejudices and biases coincide with the author's.
But Heinlein's appeal somehow seems to be broader than these general apologies account for. The fact is, though many of us disagree with Heinlein, or what we assume are Heinlein's "true" opinions, we're usually caught by the questions he raises…. [Contrary] to the most widely accepted critical theories, the Heinlein addict reads his work, not in spite of the sermons Heinlein crafts, but actually for the pleasure of the challenge of considering the moral and political questions Heinlein raises. I also believe the secret of his successful sermons lies in his provocative use of irony and in his not providing clear answers to these vital questions; rather, at his best he raises issues for the serious adult mind to consider and trusts the reader to draw his or her own conclusions.
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