Disarchiving Anguish: Charles Reznikoff and the Modalities of Witnessing

The book explores Charles Reznikoff's use of witnessing in his works, drawing from urban life and authentic testimonies found in archives. It demonstrates how Reznikoff's use of archival material is informed by subtle manipulation, using a comparative juxtaposition of his works with the original documents to highlight this change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang AG

The book delves into the intricate modalities of witnessing found in the works of Charles Reznikoff, a prominent figure associated with the "Objectivist" group that emerged in New York in the early 1930s. Often referred to as a poet-witness, Reznikoff's artistic creations draw heavily from his direct observations of urban life and from authentic testimonies discovered in archives. However, the process of transforming eyewitness accounts and depositions into literary texts is far from impartial. In particular, Reznikoff's use of archival material is intricately intertwined with subtle manipulation. To illustrate the varying degrees of this transformation, the book focuses on a comparative juxtaposition of Reznikoff's works with the original documents.

Through this comparative analysis, the book sheds light on the ways in which Reznikoff's poetic language and artistic vision enrich and transform the raw material of witness testimony. It explores the poet's skillful manipulation of language, structure, and imagery to convey the emotional impact and subjective experiences of witnesses, while also maintaining a sense of authenticity and historical accuracy.

Furthermore, the book examines the ethical considerations and challenges inherent in the process of turning witness accounts into literature. It raises questions about the responsibility of the artist to respect the privacy and dignity of witnesses, as well as the potential for artistic interpretation to shape or distort the truth.

Overall, "Witnessing in the Works of Charles Reznikoff" offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex interplay between witness testimony, artistic expression, and the power of literature to capture the essence of human experience. It provides valuable insights into the artistic process and the ethical dimensions of representing witness accounts in the literary realm.

Weight: 414g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783631831755
Edition number: New ed