Beckett and Stein

In 1937, Beckett distanced himself from Joyce's recent work and praised Stein's writings as better reflecting his desired literature of the non-word. This element conducts a comparative study of Stein's role in developing Beckett's aesthetics, arguing that Stein's writing was inherently bilingual and influenced the evolution of his bilingual English writings. It suggests the technique of renarration as a deliberate narrative strategy adopted by both authors to achieve the desired semantic tearing concordant with their aesthetic praxes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Beckett, in 1937, took a significant step away from the most recent work of his mentor, James Joyce, and instead praised the writings of Gertrude Stein as better reflecting his desired literature of the non-word. This Element conducts the first extensive comparative study of Stein's role in the development of Beckett's aesthetics. In doing so, it addresses the critical lacuna regarding Stein's influence on Beckett's nascent bilingual aesthetics of the late 1930s. It argues for Stein's influence on the aesthetics of language that Beckett developed throughout the 1930s, as well as on the overall evolution of his bilingual English writings. It suggests that Stein's writing itself was inherently bilingual. Furthermore, it proposes the technique of renarration, a form of repetition identifiable in the work of both authors, as a deliberate narrative strategy adopted by both authors to actualize the desired semantic tearing concordant with their aesthetic praxes in English.

Introduction:
Beckett, in 1937, made a deliberate decision to distance himself from the most recent work of his mentor, James Joyce. This move was significant as it marked a departure from the literary style and influences that had shaped Beckett's early writing. Instead, Beckett chose to praise the writings of Gertrude Stein as better reflecting his desired literature of the non-word. This Element aims to conduct the first extended comparative study of Stein's role in the development of Beckett's aesthetics. By examining Stein's influence on Beckett's bilingual aesthetics of the late 1930s, this study seeks to redress the critical lacuna regarding Stein's influence on Beckett's nascent bilingualism.

Stein's Influence on Beckett's Aesthetics:
In the late 1930s, Beckett developed a unique aesthetic that combined elements of traditional English literature with non-word elements. This aesthetic was influenced by a range of factors, including his experiences of war, his philosophical beliefs, and his interactions with other writers and artists. However, Stein's writing played a particularly significant role in shaping Beckett's bilingual aesthetics.

Bilingualism in Stein's Writing:
Stein's writing was inherently bilingual, reflecting her experiences as a Jew living in Paris during the early 20th century. She often used French and English words and phrases interchangeably, creating a hybrid language that was both familiar and unfamiliar to her readers. This bilingualism was a key influence on Beckett's bilingual English writings, as he sought to create a similar effect in his own writing.

Renarration as a Narrative Strategy:
One of the techniques that Beckett and Stein shared was the use of renarration. Renarration is a form of repetition that involves repeating a word, phrase, or sentence in a different context or with a different meaning. It is a deliberate narrative strategy adopted by both authors to actualize the desired semantic tearing concordant with their aesthetic praxes in English.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Element has conducted the first extended comparative study of Stein's role in the development of Beckett's aesthetics. It has argued for Stein's influence on the aesthetics of language that Beckett developed throughout the 1930s, as well as on the overall evolution of his bilingual English writings. It has proposed the technique of renarration as a deliberate narrative strategy adopted by both authors to actualize the desired semantic tearing concordant with their aesthetic praxes in English. By examining Stein's role in the development of Beckett's aesthetics, this study has contributed to a better understanding of Beckett's unique literary style and his contribution to the field of modern literature.

Weight: 128g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108984355