Weird Studies Episode 187: The Affirmation of Imagination: On John Crowley's 'Little, Big,' with Erik Davis
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Mar 26, 2025 Erik Davis, a writer and scholar known for his insights on technology, culture, and the occult, joins the discussion to unravel the intricate tapestry of John Crowley's 'Little, Big.' They dive into its enchanting blend of reality and fantasy, exploring personal connections and emotional resonances that resonate deep within the reader. The talk illuminates the novel's themes of destiny, magic, and the interplay between memory and imagination, while also highlighting how narrative shapes our perceptions and experiences of the world.
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Subtle Fantasy
- Crowley's fantasy is unique: the magical elements appear like they do in real life, subtly and offstage.
- This mirrors how strange occurrences often manifest as hints and indirect encounters.
Evocative Prose
- Evocative writing creates a sense of a larger, haunting world beyond the text.
- Crowley's skill gives this feeling, especially in how he depicts the offstage mysteries.
Eros and Mystery
- Crowley figures the reader's relationship to mystery as an erotic one.
- This mirrors the love, mystery, and fantasy present in real relationships.