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glorious
26 Sep 07
Peake, Mervyn. Titus Groan. New York: Ballantine, 1968.
“Glorious,” said Steerpike, “is a dictionary word. We are all imprisoned by the dictionary. We choose out of that vast, paper-walled prison our convicts, the little black printed words, when in truth we need fresh sounds to utter, new enfranchised noises which would produce a new effect. In dead and shackled language, my dears, you are glorious, but oh, to give vent to a brand new sound that might convince you of what I really think of you, as you sit there in your purple splendor, side by side! But no, it is impossible. Life is too fleet for onomatopoeia. Dead words defy me. I can make no sound, dear ladies, that is apt.”
“You could try,” said Clarice, “we aren’t busy.” (305)
Yes, I have read past page 300. “Life is too fleet for onomatopoeia” is the highpoint of the novel so far.
Posted by pzed on September 26, 2007 at 8.33pm
Categories: fragments, scripture
