what did wilson do for me? // i want you, mitski
Okay so there's a lot of discourse about here on how The Secret History condemns the intellectualisation of emotions and human relationships but can we just talk for a moment about how much literature and words shape all of Tartt's characters? Yes, the ancient greek class' obsession with Greek mythology leads to their downfall but the entire novel Tartt argues that humanity is inherently defined by the writing they surround themselves with.
There are so many overlooked moments of this...we see that at the beginning of the novel, many of the tight connections that the greek class makes with each other are during translations of ancient poetry. Translation is an interaction with literature that humanity has had since its creation and what is its inherent purpose? Accessibility! Making literature more approachable to people who are isolated from it. Isn't it gorgeously poetic then how through assisting Bunny and friends with their translation, Richard is able to gain 'access' to this elite society and understand their world?
What's ironic then is how Henry's translations of ancient greek poetry isolates him from the rest of the world (even through small moments like when he sits alone to translate Paradise Lost or the view that the rest of the university has of him as aloof and untouchable). It's this transgression of the nature of literature to connect that can be linked to his downfall.
Another example is how both Bunny and Richard are frequently mentioned to have other literary interests apart from ancient greek poetry. We see this quite often, the most memorable time for me was when Richard was delirious in hospital and asked a bewildered Henry for a magazine. What an elusively clever moment that truly shows the healing and nourishing nature of writing? In his pain, it's not the unfamiliar but delightfully challenging greek that Richard reaches for but a familiar magazine. Writing; a reflection of humanity. Writing that serves to comfort and hold rather than to challenge.
Even Richard in his letters to the others during the winter writes to share his experiences, showcase his world and emotions. It's literature's ability to connect, rather than to isolate, that makes it truly powerful.
So, even though the idea that 'Tartt condemns intellect' can be considered true, I think that the nuanced view that 'literature should inherently be used to connect and the transgression of this law leads to individual's downfall' is more accurate in emulating Tartt's message over the novel. Greek literature, Judy Poovey's magazines, Bunny's trashy novels, Richard's letters -- all literature that reflects humanity through different lenses (with none being more powerful than the other).
It is language that connects, heals, saves and destroys humanity.
I absolutely adore the Florida project I really just watched it like less than a year ago and in that span I have probably re-watched it like 14 times which in my opinion is kind of a lot of times. It’s so real, it isn’t one of those fake films that do not really grasp the *essence* of growing up in poverty. This film DOES have that essence. It’s why I can watch it time and time again and everytime it feels so real. Because the “plot” of the movie is very realistic it is most most likely is real somewhere. Everything about it. I always tear up at the end when she goes and finds her best friend to say goodbye before she has to leave. I the the movie is marvelous because it’s not all black and white it’s in the grey. Again that’s why it is so REAL. It is so dreadful but at the same time there is something so beautiful about it. I like how it doesn’t follow the traditional plot and kind of just follows the life of a young girl on poverty. I love how you see the difference about how moonees mother is with her and when she is out trying to provide. I do not think she was ready to be a mother but she truly loved moonee. It’s what makes me tear up. Moonee does not understand why she is being taken away from someone who loves her, she does not understand her mother faults and grave mistakes. Them playing in the rain always gets me. The smiles feel so real. Like I am there and it is happening in real life right before my eyes.
this movie hurts in such a good way😭😭😭😭
my stardew valley brainrot gets worse and worse every single day.