Literary Friction

Literary Friction - Constraint with Maggie Nelson

Oct 7, 2021

Explore the concept of freedom vs. constraint with Maggie Nelson. Discover how constraints can enhance creativity. Get book recommendations on constraint theme. Reflect on midlife, grief, and ethical dilemmas. Learn about the power of constraints in art and the exploration of 'Train Dreams' philosophical themes.

01:11:02

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Episode guests

Maggie Nelson

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Creative freedom thrives within constraints, shaping innovative artistic expressions.

Care entails a complex mix of nurturing and coercion, challenging traditional roles.

Constraints can spark creativity, leading to impactful artistic outcomes.

Deep dives

Exploring Different Forms of Freedom and Constraint in Literature

The podcast episode delves into the concept of freedom and constraint in literature, highlighted through discussions with writer Maggie Nelson. Nelson's latest book on freedom explores how constraint contributes to artistic creativity. The exploration considers the interplay between constraint and freedom, challenging the notion that freedom is achieved by escaping constraints. The conversation prompts reflection on how certain limitations can lead to innovative and impactful artistic expressions.

Introduction

2min

Exploring the Interplay of Freedom and Constraint in Literature

2min

Contemplations on Midlife, Grief, and Freedom

30min

Navigating Art, Ethics, and Generational Divides

10min

The Power of Witnessing in Adversity

5min

The Power of Constraints in Art

18min

Exploration of 'Train Dreams' and its Philosophical Themes

4min

Can you have freedom without constraint? What role does it play in creativity, and can it be productive as well as limiting? This month our guest is the thinker and writer Maggie Nelson, whose latest book, On Freedom, explores the concept of freedom via four wide-ranging essays about art, sex, drugs and climate. Its subtitle is Four Songs of Care and Constraint, so we thought we’d make this month’s show about the boundaries that are often the counterpoint to freedom. Tune in for Maggie’s thoughts on – to borrow a phrase from Judith Butler – ‘working the trap’, our favourite books about constraint, plus all the usual recommendations. Recommendations on the theme, Constraint: Octavia: The Mad Women’s Ball by Victoria Mas, translated by Frank Wynne Carrie: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison General Recommendations: Octavia: Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden-Keefe Maggie: My Brother by Jamaica Kinkaid Carrie: Train Dreams by Denis Johnson Find a list of all recommended books at: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/october-2021-constraint-with-maggie-nelson Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/litfriction Email us: litfriction@gmail.com Tweet us & find us on Instagram: @litfriction This episode is sponsored by Picador: https://www.panmacmillan.com/picador

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