Kafka channeled much of his self-criticism and self-doubt into the psychology of the characters he wrote about in his fiction. Much of "Metamorphosis" is based around the mental decline of Gregor Samsa as he fails to accept his bizarre but tragic fate.
Thanks Kern, for the positive boost of energy for all writers.
Funny and timely, I guess. I started reading Kafka last month, after finding his writing opaque and political many years ago at University. I wondered back then why is he a major literary figure ? is it a publishing marketing strategy ? when compared to the playwrights of Ancient Greece; Euripides, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Aristophanes that have stood the test of time with clear communication and messages. I read also Aristotle's Poetics, 3 Act structure: equilibrium–disruption–equilibrium ( balance–imbalance–balance)—a chain of events corresponding to the beginning, middle, and end of a story, for a deep dive into these plays.
So it was a chance brwosing at a bookshop when I saw Mr Roberto Calasso ( famous Italian editor and novelist), his book called: K - a reinterpretation of Kafka. I purchased the book for the promise of any nuanced learning or approach to Kafka's work , which I welcomed. I plan to read it, amongst the other pile of books on my desk, by the fireside during the Winter break.
You reference Hoover ? Have you read the surprising article about Hoover recently ?
Yes, I don’t subscribe to this self-loathing, tortured artist approach to writing. Oh, I can be very hard on myself and I am, but even when I write about difficult subjects I always do it from a place of joy. I might be a minority, but I absolutely love the process of discovery in writing. And I have found that I am a better writer (not to mention, healthier human being!) when I write from a place of curiosity and kindness. I highly recommend it! :)
You nailed it, Imola. If we can find and maintain the joy, we'll lead more healthy creative lives. As I mentioned in my piece, even though I get upset at myself, I always get through it with an indescribable joy. And amen to writing from a place of curiosity.
This was so encouraging, thank you. I tend to criticize myself when I go a few days without writing, but it's helpful to remember that any time I put into writing now will pay off eventually.
Oh I hope the book you bought gives you a different impression of Kafka. Also, I read that link you shared about Colleen Hoover. So interesting and completely matches what this post is about.
Kafka channeled much of his self-criticism and self-doubt into the psychology of the characters he wrote about in his fiction. Much of "Metamorphosis" is based around the mental decline of Gregor Samsa as he fails to accept his bizarre but tragic fate.
Yup, he literally used his depreciation for his writing. Great point!
Thanks Kern, for the positive boost of energy for all writers.
Funny and timely, I guess. I started reading Kafka last month, after finding his writing opaque and political many years ago at University. I wondered back then why is he a major literary figure ? is it a publishing marketing strategy ? when compared to the playwrights of Ancient Greece; Euripides, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Aristophanes that have stood the test of time with clear communication and messages. I read also Aristotle's Poetics, 3 Act structure: equilibrium–disruption–equilibrium ( balance–imbalance–balance)—a chain of events corresponding to the beginning, middle, and end of a story, for a deep dive into these plays.
So it was a chance brwosing at a bookshop when I saw Mr Roberto Calasso ( famous Italian editor and novelist), his book called: K - a reinterpretation of Kafka. I purchased the book for the promise of any nuanced learning or approach to Kafka's work , which I welcomed. I plan to read it, amongst the other pile of books on my desk, by the fireside during the Winter break.
You reference Hoover ? Have you read the surprising article about Hoover recently ?
https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/why-did-colleen-hoover-stop-writing/
As the Romans would say: Quot homines, tot sententiae, As many humans, so many opinions.
Yes, I don’t subscribe to this self-loathing, tortured artist approach to writing. Oh, I can be very hard on myself and I am, but even when I write about difficult subjects I always do it from a place of joy. I might be a minority, but I absolutely love the process of discovery in writing. And I have found that I am a better writer (not to mention, healthier human being!) when I write from a place of curiosity and kindness. I highly recommend it! :)
You nailed it, Imola. If we can find and maintain the joy, we'll lead more healthy creative lives. As I mentioned in my piece, even though I get upset at myself, I always get through it with an indescribable joy. And amen to writing from a place of curiosity.
I have no doubt you do Kern! It shows in your writing! :)
This was so encouraging, thank you. I tend to criticize myself when I go a few days without writing, but it's helpful to remember that any time I put into writing now will pay off eventually.
Yes! That's exactly it. We all need the encouragement sometimes.
Oh I hope the book you bought gives you a different impression of Kafka. Also, I read that link you shared about Colleen Hoover. So interesting and completely matches what this post is about.