Sunday, April 13, 2008

A very good qestion

"... does knowing the workings of the mind of the writer/composer, though conducive to a better understanding of the book/symphony, impede the rush of pleasure when you find a book that just takes you over or a piece of music that fills you with joy?" Death and the Dancing Footman.
(Hat tip, Maxine Clarke.)

I think the sort of understanding we are talking about has its place, but that rush of pleasure without the mediation of technical detail is the important thing. If you happen to know the technical bits or the allusions, fine, but the effect of the work shouldn't depend on your knowing them

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