Not True, But Useful... A Cheek by Jowl Podcast Episode 5 - Words Grown False
May 22, 2020
The hosts dive into the treacherous nature of language and its impact on human experience. They discuss how classic plays, like Macbeth and Three Sisters, use language to mask uncomfortable truths. Psychological insights reveal connections between childhood fears and adult dilemmas. The conversation highlights the limitations of words, illustrating moments where silence conveys deeper meaning. Engaging narratives from detective novels inspire reflections on directing and creativity, inviting listeners to question the reliability of expression.
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Logic As A Hostile Takeover
- Declan argues words come from the brain's logical side and can seize control like a tyrant.
- He warns logic is a servant, not a friend, and can be as dangerous as chaos when it dominates behavior.
Words Carry Hidden Agendas
- Words act as Trojan horses carrying whole logical frameworks that reshape perception.
- Declan cautions that explaining some experiences betrays their depth by flattening them into concepts.
Ineffable Life Behind The Plot
- Shakespeare's plays resist being reduced to plot or literal paraphrase because many crucial experiences are ineffable.
- Translating or stripping poetry risks turning profound moments banal by losing what can't be named.