Clase: "Bartleby o la fórmula" de Gilles Deleuze (parte 2 de 3)

Deleuze and the Linguistic Dimension

Exploring Deleuze's Insights on Language

• The discussion begins with a focus on Deleuze's perspective regarding modern writers, suggesting that the main character may serve as a metaphor for contemporary authorship.

• Deleuze introduces the concept of "the logic of preference," which undermines traditional language assumptions by disconnecting words from their meanings and actions from words.

• This disconnection raises questions about the ability of language to represent reality, particularly in literary contexts, hinting at a deeper exploration of realism in literature.

• The narrator’s use of employee nicknames illustrates a tension between narrative structure and character representation, questioning whether this constitutes realistic storytelling.

• The text suggests an inherent conflict between narrative logic and character portrayal, prompting inquiries into how Burt Levitch fits within this rigid narrative framework.

The Role of Burt Levitch in Narrative Structure

• Burt Levitch disrupts conventional narrative expectations by evoking emotional responses that challenge established linguistic structures and representations.

• The narrator initially presents language as capable of representing reality but is transformed through Levitch’s influence, leading to a reevaluation of linguistic power in literature.

• Levitch's speech acts as a catalyst for change within the narrative, emphasizing literature's political power through its capacity to reshape perception.

Mimesis vs. Transformation in Literature

• Deleuze argues against mimesis as mere imitation; instead, he posits that true literary power lies in transformation rather than simple representation.

• This shift signifies that literature transcends mimetic functions to alter our understanding and interaction with the world around us.

Bartleby: A Complex Literary Figure

• Deleuze asserts that Bartleby should not be viewed merely as a metaphor for writers or symbols; his complexity invites deeper analysis beyond surface interpretations.

• Despite denying Bartleby's symbolic status, there is an acknowledgment of his significant role within literary discourse—prompting further exploration into his implications for modern writing.

Engaging with Textual Analysis

• A critical question arises: How can texts like those discussed serve as tools for analyzing other works? This inquiry encourages students to engage deeply with theoretical frameworks presented by thinkers like Deleuze and Barthes.

• Students are encouraged to formulate their own hypotheses about characters like Bartleby while integrating insights from established theories into their analyses over time.

Exploring Deleuze's Literary Concepts

The Role of Language in Literature

• Deleuze emphasizes the use of tools to think about literature, focusing on a specific scene from page 62 that highlights the significance of language.

• The discussion centers around how Barkley transformed language through his narrative style, leading to a complete reevaluation of linguistic structures.

• A key quote from page 71 illustrates Bartleby's expression as a refusal that disrupts conventional language and influences others, creating an indexical divinity where words lose their distinct meanings.

Tensions in Literary Interpretation

• The text presents tensions regarding whether Bartleby serves as a metaphor for writers, suggesting he challenges rigid narrative structures and redefines language.

• Page 64 introduces the idea that Bartleby's linguistic formula undermines traditional language by introducing an "alien" tongue within it.

Political Power of Literature

• Deleuze argues that one power of literature is its ability to construct a foreign language within its own linguistic framework, which reflects political dynamics.

• He posits that literary masterpieces create a sort of foreign tongue embedded within the original language, expanding on this concept as applicable not just to American literature but universally across literary forms.

Methodological Recommendations for Study

• Students are encouraged to develop critical horizons while studying texts rather than merely memorizing; they should engage with materials actively by annotating and underlining key points.

• Emphasis is placed on utilizing personal notes during evaluations, highlighting the importance of building knowledge over time rather than cramming before assessments.

Transitioning from Linguistic Analysis to Broader Context