“…Literature belongs to the world man constructs, not to the world he sees; to his home, not his environment.” (p.12)
In this statement, Frye talks of two separate worlds. One is referred to as the environment: this is the world we see around us, and the one that Frye believes pertains the most to science. The other is our "home", which we have constructed. Our home is where literature belongs, and each person's home is different, because the home is imagination. It is within the mind, but it is not constrained by the limits of the outward environment. Our imagination is our home, because it houses everything that is truly a part of us; everything within us. You can probably tell that I agree with this statement, because literature is first born in our mind. It is created with imagination, and it grows. Perhaps it may eventually take an outward form, such as a novel or script. In relation to McCullough's speech, the facts gained and learnt can be applied into the imagination to assist with the creation of literature. McCullough states, "Cervantes is a part of us, whether we know it or not." This is because certain quotes by Cervantes have stuck inside the reader's mind: they have begun to live in the reader's home. Imagination, the mind, is where it all begins, and where everyone can go back to. It a person's individual, portable home, with a roommate called literature.
Wow Celisse! You really looked beneath the text and found the deeper meaning. I agree with your analysis of this quotation and how the environment is seen as science (what is truly there) while the home is the imagination (what you imagine being there.) I like how you elaborated on literature being "first born in our mind" but I feel that literature not only benefits ones writing ability but it also contributes to ones ability to succeed in life. By you stating that literature builds imagination, dreams and goals have immediately been constructed into ones mind through the foundation of imagination. Thus, using your creative mind to set those goals you are evidently making literature more apart of your life then you give credit for.
ReplyDeleteThat was really well written, i really like your points about the environment and how we can not be constrained by the outward environment. You really picked apart this quote and got right down to the inner meaning, i would have never thought of some of that stuff that you wrote, very well done :)
ReplyDeleteThis was very interesting and you explained each part of the quote very well. I like how you seperated and explained each "world" differently. First you mention the enviornment and how its referring to the world around us regarding to science and then how the world at home is regarding to our minds and imagination. You clarified alot about what Frye is saying but on a whole new level allowing everyone to understand what Frye is trying to say.
ReplyDeleteUntil I read your post I had no idea what Frye meant by this and now that I've read your thoughts towards it I completely agree. Especially with the part where the 'environment' is the science based part of our 'world' and that our 'homes' are different because our imaginations work differently.
ReplyDeleteWhen i was reading this part in the book i was thinking the same things you were, so i definatly agree. Your imagination is yours, it belongs to you. Whenever you read something you picture it, and no matter what anyone else says about it, that your image, your perseption of it, to keep.
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