The Eye That Is Language: A Transatlantic View of Eudora Welty

Danièle Pitavy-Souques' collection of essays explores Eudora Welty's view of the world and her international literary import, challenging previous readings of her fiction, memoir, and photographs. The essays include "Technique as Myth: The Structure of The Golden Apples" and "A Blazing Butterfly: The Modernity of Eudora Welty," and reflect Pitavy-Souques' European education and passion for the literary achievement of women of genius.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2022
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi

Danièle Pitavy-Souques, a prominent figure in the study of Welty's work, has compiled a collection of essays that shed fresh light on Welty's worldview and her significant international literary impact. These nine essays challenge previous interpretations of Welty's fiction, memoir, and photographs, offering new insights and appreciation for her writings. The volume explores beloved stories from Welty's masterpiece, "The Golden Apples," as well as "A Curtain of Green," "Flowers for Marjorie," "Old Mr. Marblehall," "A Still Moment," "Livvie," "Circe," "Kin," and "The Optimists Daughter," among others. These essays, written between 2000 and 2018, encompass various themes and approaches, including "Technique as Myth: The Structure of "The Golden Apples" (1979), "A Blazing Butterfly: The Modernity of Eudora Welty" (1987), and others. Together, they showcase Welty's remarkable ability to use the specific to uncover universal truths.

Pitavy-Souques, who had a brief residence in the South and frequently returned to it, had the privilege of meeting Welty on multiple occasions at her home in Jackson, Mississippi. Her readings draw upon a diverse range of sources, including visual arts, European theorists, modernism, postmodernism, surrealism, as well as the baroque and the gothic. The included essays reflect Pitavy-Souques's European education, her sophisticated understanding of intellectual theories and artistic movements abroad, and her deep passion for the literary achievements of women of genius.

In her book, "The Eye That Is Language: A Transatlantic View of Eudora Welty," Pitavy-Souques delves into the way in which Welty's narrative techniques broaden her work beyond southern myths and mysteries into a global perspective of humanity. Through her meticulous analysis, she reveals how Welty's storytelling expands beyond regional boundaries, offering a profound understanding of the human condition that resonates with readers worldwide.

This collection of essays is a valuable resource for scholars, critics, and avid readers alike, providing a deeper understanding and enjoyment of Welty's remarkable body of work. It offers a fresh perspective on her life and career, challenging preconceived notions and illuminating the enduring significance of her literary contributions. As one of the foremost experts on Welty's writings, Pitavy-Souques has contributed significantly to our understanding of her art, and this collection showcases her expertise and dedication to the study of literature.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496840592