Lee wrote: "Third. You state: “He seems to think that everyone should like the same books because they are based on some sort of standardised structural equation.” This is the worst calumny and is based on a total misunderstanding of formalist criticism. Very simply put, the whole point is not to posit or require any standard form for works, but to see whether the form a particular work takes is the best form it could have to accomplish what the writer wants to accomplish. I have aready given example of how this can be done: propering ordering of events, consistent point of view for narrators or characters, language appropriate to character."
Exactly. That's how the formalist works. Mr. Swilley also adheres to Aristotle's unity principles, and he says that a work is a calculus of the sum of its part and that each part should contribute to the whole. He also says that the history and identity of the author are totally irrelevant and should be ignored. He really gets his knickers in a twist when we discuss the controversies around authorship sometimes.
(on edit) Oh yeah. I just loved that Kipling verse where the devil spoke in Adam's ear: it's pretty but is it Art?
That's Art with a capital A. Lol. And yet.. where would art and literature be without some form of judgment or criticism? I think it just stems from a gut reaction: I really like that! Or I hate that one. Or there's something about that one that I feel transcends just liking, that speaks to something deeper in a stronger or more emotional way. That's what any Dennis Potter work does to me these days (I've seen four DP tv miniseries now, soon to be five and I just love them.. and they work as ART).
Now, I believe that the evolution of consciousness about art and literature moves from those gut, seminal reactions into the why of them... why does one react that way? What is it about the work or combination of works that elicits those responses?
As for me, I know what I like and enjoy; and I know what speaks to me on a more profound or emphatic level. I'm always happiest when a work does both.
Sue
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/13/2005 09:03AM by Sue.