Review of the post-modern mundanists Among the literary denizens of the internet, there has been a distinct move in literary style. Thousands of bored and over-educated 'techno-nerds' have found themselves with time on their hands and a tale to tell. While the internet is full of pages of amateurish trash, cheap and unsubtle parody, and barefaced plagiarism - there is a specific group of people writing for the fresh counter-culture. The common theme of these people is to apply the lofty literary style with which they are accustomed (usually from the helpings of classical mythology, and English literature that 'intellectual' circles feel is strictly their domain) to simple everyday life. The form is very much anti-political correctness; pro-common sense; and also very human. Whilst the events related are often unusual, they have such a grounding in reality and the mundane, that they have a very personal power and charm. Examples of this school can be seen in one of the earliest works James 'Jim' Dove's Fulldump. While on the surface it appears as an incredibly childish rant (with typographical errors left in [added?] for comic effect) a moment's pause can reveal a lot more. The poem challenges you to take it seriously. Its form is a monologue, relaying with enthusiasm the experience of the narrator, on performing a particularly large defecation, and his subsequent trouble flushing it. While this at first seems a very banal and simplistic subject, and any 'toilet humour' could only appeal to the immature - this can be seen to be part of the charm. The simplicity adds authenticity to the sentiments being carried over. The use of extensive hyperbole to describe the renewed efforts with which the protagonist attempts to rid himself of his creation succeeds in picking you up in the action - what would you do if caught in such an embarrassing situation? While it has had its share of criticism, being branded infantile and puerile - the testament to its popularity can be seen in its translation to French and German, as well as being made into a rap. In answer to the criticism, some of Jim's supporters have used the argument that it fits Wagner's definition of a romantic piece - that it is a stirring tale of "Man vs. the Elements." And I think that it is this classical definition which best describes it. The grandiose language and sentiments, off-set by the presentation and topic create a uniquely refreshing paradox. A very similar, if slightly more mainstream work is The Monolith by Daniel S. Reinker (Cult of the Dead Cow publications) which has a similar theme and style. It tells of the narrators constipation and trepidation, which runs in parallel to him having a date with 'Linda Blemski, who was reputed to be looser than Rosanne Barr's pants on an Ethiopian.' Just as in Fulldump, the narrator is in awe of his creation - but this one goes a step further. Rather than flush this exceptional excretion, he decides it is of such significance, it deserves a special memorial. The story is much more coherent - there is an actual plot, rather than just descriptive monologue, and there is a definite punch-line. Although it does lack some of Dove's dynamism, it is much easier to take seriously due simply to its more orthodox style. Where Dove says: now this was a Never before Fight put up by a dump. I hope it never happens again. Luckily I kept my head and had the intestinal Fortitude to be victoruius. [SIC] Reinker states: Now I could hear Handel's Hallelujah chorus running through my head. The fluorescent light above the toilet bathed the long brown Lord of Feces, and made it almost glow with a natural halo (…)As I beheld it, my mind flashed to the Sistine Chapel, except instead of God touching my hand, he was offering me this long, brown beauty. As if saying, you are my chosen one, and you have been blessed with the shit of God. Dove's work is predominantly style based, more gritty and raw - but obviously, Reinker's was written for the more conservative American audience - willing to accept an unorthodox tale with unorthodox telling, or vice versa, but never the two shall meet.