Beckett and Cioran (Elements in Beckett Studies)

Matthews, Steven

Cambridge University Press（2024/05発売）

• 製本 Hardcover:ハードカバー版／ページ数 76 p.
• 言語 ENG
• 商品コード 9781009494724
• DDC分類 828.91409

Full Description

This Element discusses the association between Samuel Beckett, and the Romanian-born philosopher, E. M. Cioran. It draws upon the known biographical detail, but, more substantially, upon the terms of Beckett's engagement with Cioran's writings, from the 1950s to the 1970s. Certain of Cioran's key conceptualisations, such as that of the 'meteque', and his version of philosophical scepticism, resonate with aspects of Beckett's writing as it evolved beyond the 'siege in the room'. More particularly, aspects of Cioran's conclusion about the formal nature that philosophy must assume chime with some of the formal decisions taken by Beckett in the mid-late prose. Through close reading of some of Beckett's key works such as Texts for Nothing and How It Is, and through consideration of Beckett's choices when translating between English and French, the issues of identity and understanding shared by these two settlers in Paris are mutually illuminated.

Contents

1. Introduction; 2. 'Great stuff here and there' - Beckett and Cioran Together; 3. Not Forgiving Life - Pessimism and Scepticism; 4. Form as Violence; Bibliography.