Past Present Future

History of Ideas 8: Susan Sontag

Jan 1, 2024

Guest Susan Sontag, writer and critic, discusses her opposition to interpretation in art and criticism. The podcast explores how her argument can be applied to contemporary politics and the appeal of Donald Trump. It also touches on Sontag's influences, her transition from essayist to fiction writer, and the significance of knowing when to cease discussions.

56:37

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Susan Sontag

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Quick takeaways

Susan Sontag's essay 'Against Interpretation' criticizes the over-analysis of art, emphasizing the importance of experiencing the art itself.

The essay highlights the significance of form and experience in art and politics, arguing that excessive interpretation hinders true understanding and appreciation.

Deep dives

The Power of Titles

In this episode, the importance of essay titles is discussed, with examples ranging from "Mountains" to "Against Interpretation". The impact of a title on the appeal of an essay is acknowledged, with some titles being off-putting and others being captivating.

Focusing on Experience over Meaning in Understanding Change

01:36

Sontag's Argument Against Overinterpretation

01:30

Cinema is clean, rapid, and direct compared to other art forms

01:10

Avant-garde Politics

00:45

Introduction

6min

Against Interpretation: Susan Sontag's Critique

26min

The Influence of the Scottish National Party and the Different Outcomes of Their Support

4min

Understanding the Form of Politics and the Importance of Experience

13min

Changes in Perception and Susan Sontag's Transition

3min

Reflections on an Essay About Susan Sontag

2min

Episode 8 in our history of the great essays is about Susan Sontag’s ‘Against Interpretation’ (1963). What was interpretation and why was Sontag so against it? David explores how an argument about art, criticism and the avant-garde can be applied to contemporary politics and can even explain the monstrous appeal of Donald Trump.

Sontag in the LRB:

Terry Castle on Sontag and friendship

‘At its best, our relationship was rather like the one between Dame Edna and her feeble sidekick Madge – or possibly Stalin and Malenkov.’

James Wolcott on Sontag and polemics

‘The upside of Sontag’s downside was that her ire was generated by the same power supply that electrified her battle for principles that others only espoused.’

Mark Grief on Sontag and identity

‘One of the most appealing things about Susan Sontag was that she didn’t ask to be liked. Sontag’s persona was not personal. It was superior.’

Joanna Biggs on Sontag and Paris

‘Paris let her say no to an academic life, but not to a life of ideas. The best thinking was done in cafes, or in bed, or at the movies, not in libraries.’

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Past Present Future

History of Ideas 8: Susan Sontag

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Power of Titles

Against Interpretation

The Influence of Susan Sontag

The Role of Form and Experience

Focusing on Experience over Meaning in Understanding Change

Sontag's Argument Against Overinterpretation

Cinema is clean, rapid, and direct compared to other art forms

Avant-garde Politics

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts