Sexual and aesthetic reproduction in Malone Dies

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Malone's narratives are investigated through their relation to Schiller's and Schopenhauer's championing of aesthetic contemplation. Although Beckett follows Schopenhauer in his condemnation of the will-to-live, particularly as represented by procreation, it is argued that the narratives of Malone reveal an inability to create pure, disinterested, aesthetic objects. The paradigms of fictional creation adopted by Malone are infected by modes proper to sexual reproduction and therefore fail to release Malone from time and the will. It is argued that the reproductive motifs within Malone Dies demonstrate Beckett's subtle rejection of the aesthetic optimism of Schopenhauer and Schiller.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)149-162
Number of pages14
JournalSamuel Beckett Today - Aujourd'hui
Volume22
Publication statusPublished - 2011

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