Intelligence Squared Rachel Cusk on Art, Womanhood and Redefining Fiction, Part Two
Jun 15, 2024
Rachel Cusk, a critically acclaimed novelist known for her innovative storytelling, joins Adam Biles, literary director of Shakespeare & Co in Paris. They discuss the profound themes of her new novel, 'Parade', examining how it challenges traditional narrative forms. Cusk explores motherhood and identity, revealing how trauma shapes our understanding of self. The conversation delves into the ethics of inaction in the face of societal issues and the complex relationship between violence and artistic expression. It's a thought-provoking dialogue on the nature of contemporary literature.
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Suffering and Art
- Rachel Cusk discusses Edouard Louis's book about his mother and the complex relationship between suffering and art.
- Cusk draws parallels to her own experience, highlighting the unexpected meaning found in a meaningless event.
Unlocking the Body's Meaning
- Cusk's violent encounter unlocked a deeper understanding of the body, its meaning, memory, and experiences.
- She connects her personal experience to broader societal issues, exploring themes of impersonality and violence.
Acceptable Violence
- Societal acceptance of certain types of violence is questioned by Cusk.
- She suggests that individual acts of violence can clarify larger systemic issues.
