Places where Fleming put himself in the narrative

perdogg

I believe that some of the exploits of James Bond are based on Fleming's real life experiences in the Naval intelligence during World War II, albeit loosely.

I am wondering if Fleming himself is actually transformed into some of the other characters. For example, I believe when Fleming wrote Octopussy, Fleming based the character of Major Smythe on himself. Blofeld was born on the same day as Fleming. Was this Fleming being convenient or did Fleming really see himself as Blofeld?

Does any one else see Fleming himself any where in the novels? I am wondering if Kronsteen is Fleming as well.

7289

He used the names of friends and aquaintances, stuff he liked ... and didn't like. Old IF was just being clever!

Silhouette Man

Yes, I see the very obvious links to 'Octopussy' and Ian Fleming. In fact, it's the subject of a new article of mine that'll appear on The Bondologist Blog soon!

perdogg

Silhouette Man wrote:

Yes, I see the very obvious links to 'Octopussy' and Ian Fleming. In fact, it's the subject of a new article of mine that'll appear on The Bondologist Blog soon!

If you read FRWL you will notice that after Kronsteen introduces Klebb to the reader, he disappears. He is also jealous of Klebb's ability to be emotionally cold with regards to sex, something that Fleming has been accused of.

Barbel

Well, he certainly refers to himself in YOLT Chapter 21 as "a personal friend and a former colleague of James Bond".

Silhouette Man

Barbel wrote:

Well, he certainly refers to himself in YOLT Chapter 21 as "a personal friend and a former colleague of James Bond".

Yes, a veritable Dr. Watson right there! Interesting fact that an actor named Ian Fleming played Dr. Watson at one stage! This tidbit is mentioned in O.F. Snelling's 1964 literary James Bond study.