Steven Felicelli

Steven Felicelli asked Ben Marcus:

there are many ways in which the thing I am trying in vain to say may be tried in vain to be said - Beckett Language acts as an acid over its message. If you no longer care about an idea or a feeling, then put it into language. - Marcus You also describe it as 'a more sophisticated way to cry'. Do you think this understanding of the self-defeating telos of language is a necessary evil?

Ben Marcus Steven: Love that Beckett quote. So is it, as you ask, a necessary evil to feel that language is self-defeating? I doubt it. It's pretty easy never to think of it, to just open our mouths and freely moan all over each other. Self-consciousness about the limitations of language is a kind of curse. But Beckett made it pretty funny, too.

More Answered Questions

Roger Hands

Roger Hands asked Ben Marcus:

Thanks for drawing my attention to books like, MOTORMAN and LOG OF THE SS THE MRS. UNGUENTINE (the later now one of the most important books to me). Are there any other little known masterpieces you want to shine a light on, either old or new? Thanks again.

Alycia K

Alycia K asked Ben Marcus:

Mr Marcus, 'The Flame Alphabet' shocked me into a literature-induced coma for a few weeks, and it was its originality that drew me to it. Some pieces of literature inspire, and it was a combination of your style and storyline that inspired me. I'm a bit starstruck! So, do you ever have to make yourself feel something to be inspired? Many, many regards, Alycia AUS 17yo

Stephen Smith

Stephen Smith asked Ben Marcus:

Ben, is there an ongoing metaphor between meteorology and psycholinguistics running through Notable American Women, The Age of Wire and String, and to a lesser extent, The Flame Alphabet and certain selections of Leaving The Sea? If not, sorry I asked. If so, what was the most traumatic weather related event of your childhood? You don't have to say if you don't want to.

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