File spoon-archives/french-feminism.archive/french-feminism_1996/96-07-07.000, message 72


From: Elizabeth Droppleman <bdroppl-AT-grove.ufl.edu>
Date: Mon, 24 Jun 1996 18:44:14 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: cixous ponderings




On Thu, 13 Jun 1996, Sharon Sliwinski wrote:

> My question/argument/debate spark surrounds Cixous' use of the Medusa image.
> In "The Laugh of The Medusa" see says pretty explicitly that we must use
> these once negative myths in new positive light, non? I liked that. But I've
> been browsing a book by Jungian analyst Marion Woodman, _Addiction to
> Perfection_ (kind of heavy handed but sort of insightful) She, like Cixous,
> writes sort of non-linearly, borrowing from myth, Shakespeare, etc. She
> describes the Medusa much differently:
> [discussing the patterns of unconscious behaviours] "the once beautiful
> Medusa, whose snakey locks twist and writhe in constant aggitation,
> reaching, reaching, reaching, wanting more and more and more... Our
> generation scarcely knows of her existence, but she is making her presence
> felt in her unquenchable cravings for something..." (pg 9). She's talking
> about eating disorders, but all obsessions in general.
> 
> This made me think immeadiately of "jouissance" and you're earilier
> discussions of the subject. Lacan and Freud's desire... I want to see the
> "good-side" as Cixous is somehow always able but Woodman's take throws a new
> light. Any thoughts on the relationship?
> 

Sharon,
You might take a look at what Steven Shaviro has to say about excess in
his new book "Doom Patrol" on the www.  You can access it by going to his
interview located in the altx magazine:

http://www.altx.com/interviews

At the very end of the interview, you can follow a link to the book.

A fascinating, fun book not for those who are offended by strong
languages and images!
Has anyone else read it?

Thanks to the person (sorry can't remember who) who pointed out the web
site to the list!

beth
bdroppl-AT-grove.ufl.edu






   

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