I find more and more that I am most fascinated by philosophy, and the myriad of
QUESTIONS always being asked. However, I am bored to tears by the sober
readings of most major philosophers. No, I prefer my discussions in the form of
literature. Spoon feeding you say? Nonsense. This tradition has been continuing
for a reason, and those who read know what I mean. Literature shapes life. And, of
course, vice versa.
Of course, I am most interested in those writers who don't akin themselves to
the "Capitalist" ideals. Nor fascists, for that matter. Ezra Pound, for
example, makes bile churn in my throat.
BUT, writers such as Gertrude Stein (who lived life and wrote as a woman
uninhibited by sexual gender roles), and Albert Camus (see below!)
are very soothing in an anarchist sort of way....
I've also listed, first and foremost, Charlotte, one of my very favorites.
One too often lumped with her overly-romantic, lovesick sister. Read on
and enjoy....
A true champion for woman during her age, if a quiet one,
Charlotte Bronte remains one of my favorites, if only for
Jane Eyre. One of my majors in college was English/
Lit, and during my senior year, I became intrigued by Charlotte's
use of autobiography in Jane. It gives the novel a flavor
of realism in emotion that I haven't stumbled upon often. I am
very interested in the use of the first person narrative, as well,
so you may look for other authors of the same vein here soon. As
soon as I get bored with Charlotte...
While it is admittedly a
romance, Bronte explores the love of minds-that is, minds falling
in love with each other. A new idea to me at the time... I love
discussing literature, especially the British Romantics and the
Victorians (Poe, Poe, Poe).
These sites will prove very interesting if you want to find
more information on Victorian Literature and women writers within this
period:
Victorian Web
Discussion on Mary Shelly & Charlotte
Victorian Women Writers Project
And here we have Albert...
Camus is an author and philosopher who is truly overlooked
far too often. He explores the human mind in connection with emotion, as well as lots of social commentary
that can be very eye-opening. The Stranger and The
Plague come very highly recommended by me, unless you are a die
hard Catholic or one of the blind masses. In which case, it is imperative
that you read them.
Edward Albee, a contemporary American playwright, has contributed
much to modern theatre. But, perhaps more importantly, he has used
this medium to create a keyhole glimpse into the lives of
Americans and allow us to view ourselves honestly. My first experience
with Albee was his classic Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, which
I believe to be a masterpiece, of sorts because of its intricate and
interwoven relationships. The subtleties of discussion and the
"games" involved, coupled with wit and reference as I have never
seen, make for a hell of a wild ride.
The symbolism used in Woolf is complex and diverse, which means
I can read or see this play over and over and still see new
twists. Getting at the truth is the eminate goal of the play, and, if
you really get deep enough, you can make comparisons between the
domestic problems, lies, and truths of George and Martha with
the national concerns of the USA. (No, the choice of their names
was not an accident.) It is a drama which I cannot help but laugh
at, in a deranged, voyeuristic way. If you enjoyed reading or
seeing the play, I highly recommend the movie with Taylor and
Burton. A very fine rendition which catches the timing of the play
PERFECTLY.
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