Decreation: Poetry, Essays, Opera

To be a writer is to construct a big, loud, shiny centre of self from which the writing is given voice and any claim to be intent on annihilating this self while still continuing to write and give voice to writing must involve the writer in some important acts of subterfuge or contradiction.

Decreation is another eclectic collection of poetry, essay, and music from the ever idiosyncratic Anne Carson. As per usual, she constructs a fantasia of historical reference, etymology, literary criticism, and artistic expression. Of particular note is the namesake essay, "Decreation: How Women Like Sappho, Marguerite Porete and Simone Weil Tell God." It contains much of what makes her such an interesting writer. "Sublimes" inspired me to watch show more every Antonioni film starring Monica Vitti, so there's an added bonus to picking this book up. show less

This is one of Carson's 'bitty' books, an assemblage of various bits and pieces. The best part, in my view, is the actual Decreation essay and opera at the end.

Bubbling over with foam...

"The effect of elevated language upon an audience is not persuasion but transport. At every time and in every way imposing speech, with the spell it throws over us, prevails over that which aims at persuasion and gratification. Our persuasions we can usually control, but the influences of the Sublime bring power and irresistible might to bear, and reign supreme over every hearer. Similarly, we see skill in invention, and due order and arrangement of matter, emerging as the hard-won result not of one thing nor of two, but of the whole texture of the composition, whereas Sublimity flashing forth at the right moment scatters everything before it like a thunderbolt, and at once displays the power of the orator in show more all its plenitude."—Longinus, On the Sublime 1.4 show less