“If the writer is taken to be the work’s way of getting itself written, a sort of lightning rod for an accumulation of atmospheric disturbances, a St. Sebastian absorbing in his tattered breast the arrows of the Zeitgeist, this changes not very much the traditional view of the artist. But it does license a very great deal of critical imperialism. This is fun for everyone.” — Donald Barthelme, “Not-Knowing” (from Not-Knowing, ed. Herzinger)
High Street 3.6 — “Downhill Racing” (cont.) is posted today.
(Tomorrow: High Street 3.7 — “Downhill Racing” (cont.))
Saint Sebastien is one of my favourites. But critical imperialism? Leave us lightning rods alone.