"It was less a literary thing than a linguistic, philosophical preoccupation... discovering how far you can go with language to create immediate, elementary experience"
About this Quote
In this quote, Robert Morgan seems to check out the transformative and exploratory nature of language in literature and philosophical query. The quote recommends that the primary focus is not on crafting intricate literary works for their own sake however rather on utilizing language as a tool to evoke direct and basic human experiences. Let's break this down even more.
Morgan speaks of a paradigm shift from merely literary ambitions towards a wider investigation, where language becomes the focal point of his pursuit. His emphasis on "linguistic, philosophical fixation" indicates a deep interest in the structure, function, and inherent power of language. Rather than viewing language as a medium entirely for aesthetic expression, he sees it as a vibrant, philosophical entity-- a subject to be examined, had fun with, and stretched to its limits.
This idea aligns with phenomenology, a philosophical approach that focuses on the structures of experience and awareness. Morgan's venture is to look into how language can be manipulated to develop visceral, immediate experiences for the reader. It is a speculative, almost clinical approach to understanding human perception and cognition through linguistic expression.
By stating "finding how far you can opt for language", Morgan mentions pressing the limits of traditional language use. He hints at an exploration of extremes, testing language's capability to conjure experiences that are raw and essential. This lines up with the concept that the essence of literature depends on its ability to affect the reader exceptionally, to resonate on a level that is both instinctive and intellectual.
Eventually, Morgan's reflection reveals a belief in the power of language to go beyond conventional literary boundaries, to serve not simply as a vessel for storytelling but as an active individual in shaping human understanding and experience. This method invites readers to reconsider the capacity of language in mediating and enhancing human feelings and thoughts.
