Literal bed time reading.

Recently, I have been re-reading Michel Houellebecq’s 2015 novel Submission. It’s about a hedonistic literature professor who sleeps with his students, has the diet of a frat boy, and occasionally does “work” researching an obscure (at least, to me) 19th-century French novelist.

Obviously, the man has tenure.

He’s employed at a public university which is not-so-subtly government run. In a surprise election, a conservative faction—led by Muslims—takes power. Polygamy is legalized. Women must wear veils. The main character is offered a more lucrative job in terms of pay and power. There’s just one catch: to get this job (and not lose his current), he must convert to Islam.

The book was highly controversial because of its description of Islam and its (ironic?) timing of being released the same day as the Charlie Hebdo shooting. To me, beyond any politically incorrect statements about religion, it lambasts academia (see below) and really makes me think about “compromise.” Specifically, compromising personal beliefs and character. The climax of the story is whether or not this professor will give up his preferred lifestyle for more pay. Will let his bosses choose his wives for less teaching. Will fake being a social and religious conservative and take on a faith he doesn’t believe in just for a check.

Spoiler alert…

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