I finished Gertrude Stein's Tender Buttons several weekends ago. At first I was confused and annoyed by this seeming babble of thought, but soon recognized that there really wasn't a thought present. What I mean to convey is that instead of creating a piece that is connected and sensical in plot, Stein instead creates a masterful poem of sorts, playing more on rhythms and sounds than content. This "novel" is more of a sketch of ideas and images presented not only through words that create a visual in one's mind, but also through language that presents auditory and tactile suggestions. I had to read through the piece several times, aloud, to truly take from it what I believe the author intended, that being an experience rather than a concrete idea.
Originally published in 1914, this exercise in experience is best read aloud by the reader. There were many times when I believe I would not have received what was being offered in the piece had I not read it aloud. It is for this reason that, while at times the work is confusing, I believe it would be an excellent piece of writing to use in a writer's workshop at the late high school or even early college level. Presenting students with a finalized example of poetic prose I believe could produce some excellent musings.
No comments:
Post a Comment