What is so fascinating about circus life?

[bootsie0126+]

I've never really been to a circus but what I've seen on TV is downright fascinating! I love watching performers do incredible things and I often wonder how much time and dedication was put in to be able reach that level. It's just amazing.

I grew up attending the circus each year. It is exciting, memorable and simple fun to watch the show. I remember each year during the clowd routine, one lucky child would be selected from the audience to participate in the act. Every year I would hope, wish and sometimes pray to be picked. It never happened but it did not take away from the great experience of being at the circus.

[MidnightBasm]

When I think of the circus I tend to think more of the bizarre and wonderful people that were a show on their own, as opposed to clowns and lion tamers. I prefer to think of the darker side, rather than simply the entertainment. Of the people that had no other chance to call a place home. And of the friendships, romances, quarrels and fights that I believe were more intense, because for many of these people there was no second choice.

I love Salman Rushdie and he also tackles the circus as a hyperbole for life in many of his books, like Shalimar the Clown or Midnight's Children.

I haven't read this book, but since this is subject I find fascinating, I will give it a go and then maybe I'll have an answer to the other questions.

[Ernie6988]

I enjoy the circus and love taking my child to experience it. I think it is part of growing up to experience it. I also believe in supporting performers.

[kfwilson6]

I actually only prefer the performance aspects of the circus, which I think is why I prefer Cirque de Soleil to the typical circus. I don't care for "the freaks." I don't want to go to laugh at odd looking or weird people. I want to go to see skills that others have that I don't typically get to see. I don't recall the last time I went to the circus but I have been to a Cirque de Soleil show as an adult and really enjoy the acrobatics of it.

As for Duke, I actually don't think sword swallowing was enough for him. I think he thrives on excitement, which is why he briefly did the straight-jacket escape. He enjoyed the money, which supported his addictions, and he enjoyed the danger of what he was doing. He seemed to be really fixated on defying death as long as he truly thought he could. When he was injured doing the straight-jacket escape, I think he realized too much of the outcome was in someone else's hands. He seemed to want something more, but I think that something continued to allude him, hence the drinking and drugs.

[calleighco22]

i feel that there seems from the outside to be a kind of freedom and exploration of the world in circus life and so that aspect draws one in and fascinates us.

[Ericanielsen]

I’ll answer each question individually.

1. What do you think of the mirage of circus life in general?
I think nowadays especially, circus life is frowned upon. Could you imagine going to see a “freak” show in today’s world? Even though the circus people know they are a spectacle to be watched, different or ordinary as they may be, I just don’t see this standing well in today’s world. Honestly, it seems like a place full of enablement.

2. Are you still going to the circus? What do you love/hate most about the circus?
I’ve admittedly have never been to the circus.

3. How is circus life described in the book?
To me, it’s described as a mystical, wonderful place. A heaven of sorts for the rejects of the world.

4. Is Duke satisfied with his new life as a sword swallower?

I believe he is

[Nena_Morena]

I've never been to a circus, although I saw it on tv very often. I always thought of it as a place where extraordinary people with extraordinary abilities come together and open up a new world where anything is possible.
I loved how the circus was described in the book, it really sounded as if many lost people with a common love had finally found a family.
I think Duke was happy in his new life. I really believe there are people like him that feel satisfied only by doing what they love no matter the circumstances.

[Christina Rose]

I've never really been to a circus but what I've seen on TV is downright fascinating! I love watching performers do incredible things and I often wonder how much time and dedication was put in to be able reach that level. It's just amazing.

I agree that it's all amazing and fascinating. The performers truly do seem dedicated, and I'm sure they put in an incredible amount of time developing and maintaining their skills.

[Christina Rose]

When I think of a circus life, i think its a kind of life where you show your talents without fear. It entertains the people. I myself, I enjoy it a lot. Sometimes, I think that they use spiritual powers lol, but then I like it the more. It isn't something that should be done always otherwise people see it as a nuisance.

I understand what you mean regarding the circus

It isn't something that should be done always otherwise people see it as a nuisance.

That's why I believe the circus being in your town or city once a year. The thrill and excitement I had from going to the circus was the suspense of new and improved acts to see. You could always count on the performances to be bigger and better than the year before. Despite knowing what you were going to see, year after year, it always seemed like the first time.

This makes sense. It keeps it fresh and exciting. Hopefully the performers take some time to themselves when the circus is not in season.

[Christina Rose]

I enjoy the circus and love taking my child to experience it. I think it is part of growing up to experience it. I also believe in supporting performers.

I like your idea of supporting performers. I have always enjoyed supporting local talent when it comes to singers and bands, so I can appreciate where you're coming from.

[Christina Rose]

I've never been to a circus, although I saw it on tv very often. I always thought of it as a place where extraordinary people with extraordinary abilities come together and open up a new world where anything is possible.
I loved how the circus was described in the book, it really sounded as if many lost people with a common love had finally found a family.
I think Duke was happy in his new life. I really believe there are people like him that feel satisfied only by doing what they love no matter the circumstances.

I love the way you describe those who are a part of the circus life. I cringe every time I read the performers being described as freaks. Extraordinary is a much better description, in my opinion.

[Sketches_by_Shell]

I actually only prefer the performance aspects of the circus, which I think is why I prefer Cirque de Soleil to the typical circus. I don't care for "the freaks." I don't want to go to laugh at odd looking or weird people. I want to go to see skills that others have that I don't typically get to see. I don't recall the last time I went to the circus but I have been to a Cirque de Soleil show as an adult and really enjoy the acrobatics of it.

As for Duke, I actually don't think sword swallowing was enough for him. I think he thrives on excitement, which is why he briefly did the straight-jacket escape. He enjoyed the money, which supported his addictions, and he enjoyed the danger of what he was doing. He seemed to be really fixated on defying death as long as he truly thought he could. When he was injured doing the straight-jacket escape, I think he realized too much of the outcome was in someone else's hands. He seemed to want something more, but I think that something continued to allude him, hence the drinking and drugs.

I have not been to a circus, but I have seen Cirque du Soleil, and it was fantastic. We had second to the last row seats, and they turned out to be the best. We got the best views of the high flying acrobatics. This is the aspect of any circus that I like best. The only experience of circus life outside of the show, I learned from a book! I cannot even remember what it was titled, it was good, though. The people seemed to be there for some reason or another, that did not fit them into society.

[Supergirl1]

Where I come from, there is no circus as such. But I have been to quite a few circuses through the pages of some wonderful books. I’d still love to go to one in person though.

[SammiArch]

I think the idea of being a travelling entertainer, who has a unique talent that gets to play with tigers and have no responsibility is the appeal to children who want to run away. As an adult however the realization that it is still work, ususally in the heat, and probably doesn't come with benefits or a 401k changes the desire drastically!

[Jax14]

When I was really small the thrill of a circus seemed amazing. The lights and colours and smells took you away from your life (like school and homework) for a while. There were books and tv stories written that made seem running away to join the circus such a romantic act of rebellion since I couldn't see anyone running away from the circus to join the corporate world. When you realise what actually goes on behind the scenes (as with most theatre), the image they portray is certainly not as glamorous as what we think. But I guess if for a short period of time we are sucked into the wonder and magic and believe it's true then they have done their ultimate job. And as with any job if it's not your passion then it becomes a chore. I don't like animals in circuses as they have not been given the "choice" to be there, but I think any person who chooses to be in the limelight or work behind the scenes helps to recreate that child in us that just wants to be entertained again.