ENGL 475: Postmodern Literature (Fall 2004)

after reading both halves of the printed material, im at a loss for words. it read like the hyperintensive and infinitesimally focused ramblings of a scientific shaman.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simone_Weil <-- this wiki at least broadened my understanding of the work.

Here's a quote from Simone Weil from the Wikipedia article linked above:

One can never really give a proof of the reality of anything; reality is not something open to proof, it is something established. It is established just because proof is not enough. It is this characteristic of language, at once indispensable and inadequate, which shows the reality of the external world. Most people hardly ever realize this, because it is rare that the very same man thinks and puts his thought into action...--LP, 72-3

How can we relate this to Strickland? Well it resonates within the conception of reality. The J.E.D quote she uses early in Losing L'una (page 6) seems to strike well. How are we to understand the basis of satelite GPS technology without understanding its creation from its real roots? It is just a box with readouts to someone completely detached from technology. Where do its respective coordinates' meanings lie within? From the positions they lead to? I think Strickland argues that the meaning of such a devise is based upon the meaning of its purpose, and it can only be deduced through its epistemology.

its interesting that the 2 female authors we have read have some definite similiarities in their approaches. why?

every word is important in poetry, i like how she talks about a vast number of subjects and makes references to different time periods and places by choosing her words carefully.

for example, p.51 "All Body" the word al-jabr is taken from Hisab Al-Jabr (Al-Kharizimi's book of calculations) and becomes "algebra." but it also means "reuniting broken bones" in arabic.

also, i liked how she questions the concept of certainty/reality (big postmodern question) through her exploration of history/religion etc. i think bottom of p.2 of "sails to satellites" is a reference to plato's allegory of the cave.

i read some of the wikipedia article (thanks robbie) and it helped to confirm my own unguided interpretation.