Three Steps on the Ladder of Writing

An exploration into the "strange science of writing", in which the author reflects on the writing process and explores three distinct areas essential for "great" writing: the crucial role dreams play in literary inspiration; the importance of depth; and the notion of death.

Cixous ( The Book of Promethea , LJ 4/1/91) presupposes from her reader a good knowledge of the works of several authors who deeply influenced her philosophy of writing: particularly Clarice Lispector, Marina Tsvetaeva, Ingeborg Bachman, and Franz Kafka, all of whom are minutely discussed (with a good dose of biblical quotes). Originally presented as the 1990 annual Welleck Library Lectures (Univ. of California, Irvine), the work examines the nature of the writing process, which, according to Cixous, draws for inspiration on three sources: death, dreams, and the writer's "nether realms." Cixous, originally from Algiers, emigrated to France in 1955, became professor of English, and created a feminist studies center. Her circle of admirers recognize her innovative approach to literature, but for English-speaking readers who have not read any other works of Cixous, this tripartite musing on the creative process, though well translated, may prove difficult to absorb.
- Danielle Mihram, Univ. of Southern California Lib. , Los Angeles
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.