Honestly, why does it even matter who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird? We were given a marvelous gift in this novel. Its authorship is of no consequence except to Harper Lee's honor - and she herself seems to take no interest in the "scandal." Why can't we accept something beautiful for what it is without trying to drag it through the mud?
But I am fascinated by the idea of a forensic linguist. It makes so much sense! Language is such a personal thing, so intimately connected to each one of us. Of course people can be recognized by how they manipulate language.
It's such a beautiful and unique thing. How can a person - any person - not live in constant awe of its absolute majesty? That's why I want to be a linguist: true beauty. "Beauty, in this world." Communications so unique and yet understood by virtually every speaker of the language in which they are expressed.
Mystery.
And so why are books not more revered? Why are authors - the high priests of the Gods of Language - not celebrated as heroes? Why, instead, do we question their integrity?
Some would say that it's because the people love a spectacle. Aren't our magical books enough entertainment? We have thousands of years of spectacle at our fingertips and yet we continue to lust after the merest scandal.
Alas for the fate of the world that loves not its writers, for it is doomed to a future bereft of the enchantment of beautiful language.
No comments:
Post a Comment