This "bringing home" reminded me of Jacob Klein's essay "The Problem and the Art of Writing". He notes that there's a recurring phrase in Homer - "winged words" - that's used almost exclusively when a single character speaks to another (i.e. not in public speeches). He suggests that an adequate translation of "winged words" is a speech that "sinks in" - and he says that the problem of writing (as such) is the problem of transforming dead, written words into living, winged words.
Thanks, Jozef! What a great comment! I'm delighted to learn of the observation that "winged words" is used almost exclusively in intimate settings, in private conversation. Such a fact must influence how we understand, and at the same time translate, the phrase, and "sinks in" is a beautiful colloquial suggestion. Though I'm not familiar with his work broadly, I read recently "The Idea of Liberal Education," and found much to appreciate. I'm looking forward to reading this essay!
Klein is a joy to read in general - I'd recommend his Lectures and Essays, a collection of nice short(-ish) pieces that includes the essay on writing I mentioned above.
This "bringing home" reminded me of Jacob Klein's essay "The Problem and the Art of Writing". He notes that there's a recurring phrase in Homer - "winged words" - that's used almost exclusively when a single character speaks to another (i.e. not in public speeches). He suggests that an adequate translation of "winged words" is a speech that "sinks in" - and he says that the problem of writing (as such) is the problem of transforming dead, written words into living, winged words.
Thanks, Jozef! What a great comment! I'm delighted to learn of the observation that "winged words" is used almost exclusively in intimate settings, in private conversation. Such a fact must influence how we understand, and at the same time translate, the phrase, and "sinks in" is a beautiful colloquial suggestion. Though I'm not familiar with his work broadly, I read recently "The Idea of Liberal Education," and found much to appreciate. I'm looking forward to reading this essay!
Klein is a joy to read in general - I'd recommend his Lectures and Essays, a collection of nice short(-ish) pieces that includes the essay on writing I mentioned above.