Anne Fadiman and a revival of the long essay
Key Questions
What role does Anne Fadiman play in the revival of the long essay?
Anne Fadiman's 'Frog' essays exemplify the revival by expanding trivial subjects into profound explorations. They highlight a return to thoughtful, expansive essayistic writing in contemporary literature.
What is Bright Aboagye's essay about?
Bright Aboagye's essay 'To All the Poems I Never Understood' explores the elusiveness of poetry, incorporating African voices. It reflects on personal struggles with poetic interpretation and broader cultural perspectives.
What are Vivek Vilasini's 'Visual Essays' in Mumbai?
Vivek Vilasini's 'Visual Essays' are a new exhibition at Sakshi Gallery in Mumbai, featuring digital prints like 'Scuffle in the Assembly.' They address identity frictions through visual storytelling.
What novel by Lerner is mentioned in the highlight?
Ben Lerner’s novel examines how technology fractures the self. It ties into metacognitive and literary themes amplified by figures like Bennington, NYT, Vendler, Buruma, and Gainza.
What is the 'Noma Problem' discussed?
The 'Noma Problem' critiques how elite culture, exemplified by Noma, can lead to exploitation. It questions the ethics of high-end culinary practices in essays on cultural critique.
Who is Judy Batalion and her perspective on writing?
Judy Batalion is a New York Times-bestselling author of nonfiction and fiction. She expresses that she never feels her work is complete, reflecting the iterative nature of essayistic craft.
What is 'Peter Pan in the Catskills and Other Historical Essays'?
This collection by Purple Mountain Press evokes the magic of the Catskills region through historical essays. It contributes to the long essay tradition by blending nostalgia and history.
What is good literary citizenship according to the highlight?
Good literary citizenship involves supportive practices like those seen in Parnassus Books' Instagram, promoting community in literature. Essays by Shalizi and others emphasize critic responsibility, honesty, and introspection in fostering literary ties.
Fadiman's 'Frog' essays expand trivial to profound; new: Aboagye on poetry elusiveness (African voices); Vilasini Mumbai visual essays (identity frictions); Lerner novel on tech fracturing self; plus Marche AI-novel, Elmhirst craft, Giesea Dionysian, Batalion/Suggars/Noma/Green/Catskills/Hitchcock/Shalizi/critic citizenship. Bennington/NYT/Vendler/Buruma/Gainza amplify metacog/lit ties.