This is an important point we discuss here. I think we all strive for that
marriage of sound and sense that, for me, is where poetry lies. I am
reminded of an anecdote about James Joyce during his writng of Ulysees.
A friend called to see him and asked how the work had gone that day. Joyce
was pleased to announce a useful day's work. Imagining that at best half a
chapter had been written or at worst two pages perhaps, the friend asked how
much had Joyce written. JJ replied that he had written two sentences. The
friend was aghast . Only two sentences ? Had there been trouble finding the
words? No,no assured JJ He had the words for a while. It was getting them in
the right order that had been the problem. This was a novel! Such craft and
concern we normally apply to poetry! The two sentences??
" Perfumes of Araby all him pervaded. Mutely he craved to adore."
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sue Scalf" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2002 10:47 AM
Subject: Re: November 1952: a rewrite.
> I guite agree, grasshopper. The sound is echo to the sense. But just not
all
> those "s" sounds at that spot. There are places even they might sound
right,
> however.
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