Definition:

Extremely determined to act in a particular way, and not to change, despite what anyone else says. [REF]

Deconstruction:

We can all relate to obstinance, stubbornness, and pigheaded behavior by humans in our daily lives.  However, this terminology can apply to inanimate objects as well. 

The word obdurate is used frequently in Stephen King’s novel “11/22/63”.  While Mr. King is well-known for his gripping horror stories, this work, which took four decades for him to complete, is a juggernaut of deep historical research, and abstract non-linear thought. 

Combining time travel with the JFK’s assassination is a great starting point for a book, with King wielding the pen this complex, twisted yarn becomes a true gem.  Obdurate is utilized throughout the story to describe the resistance of history to change, a property of time that is common in many sci-fi novels, but rarely treated in this specific manner.

Not only do actions taken by the time-traveling lead character change the future in drastic and unexpected ways, but, more importantly, he finds that the past is actively resisting modification. 

Uncontrollable events like weather anomies, mechanical problems, personal iterations, and just plain bad luck, continually spring up creating road blocks for the protagonist, forcing him to travel between the past, present, and future several times in an effort to achieve his multiple parallel humanitarian goals.  As he repeatedly realizes throughout the story, “The past is obdurate.”

The stubborn challenges of time travel are great, however, there’s no better way to define obdurate than with a classic gambling and drinking analogy. 

Imagine you’re at the poker table in Las Vegas.  Initially you are running hot, winning hand after hand.  You’re supposed to head to dinner with your pals, but you can’t pull away from the table, so send them a text to cancel.  They respond with prodding banter, which you ignore. 

Meanwhile, the waitress keeps bringing you beers.  These libations are going down smooth, but your observation and analytical skills start to deteriorate. 

Soon, the run of cards dries up, causing your chip stack to deteriorate.  You switch to gin and tonics, hoping this libation adjustment will change your luck.  Eventually, you look down, and now only have a few dollars left.  Bitter, you make a bad call, and lose it all. 

You’re left with a cheap empty glass containing a crushed lime wedge, drunk, with no food in your stomach to soak up the booze. 

Fortuitously, your significant other appears on your left shoulder.  The crew just got a table at a fancy restaurant down the strip for dinner.  This is a chance to change the trajectory of the night, potentially righting your sinking ship of an evening. 

Frustrated and stubborn, you rebuy, rather than walking away with your lovely partner to meet up with friends.  That’s being obdurate.

There are few things more stubborn and obstinate than a drunkard at a poker table.  Many of us have encountered similar situation, be it at an awkward family dinner, obligatory church service, long grocery line, or other frustrating life experience. 

Sometimes it’s better to swallow your pride, not get bent out of shape, take the high road, avoid beating around the bush, bite the bullet, or let somebody off the hook.  Maybe that’s why there’s so many idioms about avoiding confrontation. 

Cheers to Stephen King for his enlightening story, and his interesting word usage, considering the long slog it must have been to complete the 849 page, 275k word “11/22/63” tome.  As a writer, or in other ventures you’re passionate about, it’s important to remain obdurate, but rational, and empathetic.  Such a committed, though flexible, approach often yields the best of both worlds.

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Details:

• Comparison of obdurate and obstinate with Latin word origin details.  [REF]

• Interesting background on the writing journey King took on this story, which he started back in 1971 and didn’t publish until 2011. [REF]

• Full plot rundown of the 11/22/63 novel. [REF]

• Hulu turned this lengthy time travel novel into an 8-part TV mini-series in 2016. [REF]