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The Dual Power of Language: Theories of Maurice Blanchot in Practice

Miller, Caroline Grace

Abstract Details

2020, Master of Arts, Miami University, French.
Language has the dual power of abstracted meaning and physical being. The duality that I advance here is based on the analysis of the theories of Maurice Blanchot, Stephane Mallarme, and Jacques Ranciere. These three authors provide a framework through which I argue that all writing has an equally important abstract dimension as it does physical dimension. By abstract dimension, I mean the lexical connotations that are abstracted away from the physical work. By physical dimension, I mean the purely tangible and material-without any lexical meaning. This duality is apparent in works such as concrete poetry, images (films), and manuscripts. I use the poetry of Stephane Mallarme and Guillaume Apollinaire and films of Jean-Luc Godard as a modern proof of this duality; I use several medieval manuscript works as a historical comparison. These works clearly show the importance of the physical materiality of a work. I argue that this material importance holds true for all writing and all literature, not only images and poetic objects.
Audrey Wasser, Dr. (Advisor)
Anna Klosowska, Dr. (Committee Member)
Elisabeth Hodges, Dr. (Committee Member)
60 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Miller, C. G. (2020). The Dual Power of Language: Theories of Maurice Blanchot in Practice [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami159528857275781

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Miller, Caroline. The Dual Power of Language: Theories of Maurice Blanchot in Practice. 2020. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami159528857275781.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Miller, Caroline. "The Dual Power of Language: Theories of Maurice Blanchot in Practice." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami159528857275781

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)