Linguistic decorum and literary decorum are different things, although superficially they can be confused. But when analyzed closely, it becomes clear that some authors display a strong manifestation of the former, the latter, both, or neither. And in each specific case, much about the author is revealed by whether or not he possesses them. Taking literature as a whole, which encompasses both good and terrible authors, the most common thing is that a lack of literary decorum is evidence of a lack of culture; however, the same cannot be said for linguistic decorum. What is said and what is represented are two different things, with language being merely an instrument of the latter, which can be employed with greater or lesser intensity, depending on the need and intention. Linguistically, there are impulses that call for extreme expressions; otherwise, a fair representation will not be achieved. But the essence of every work precedes language, and it is only in this essence that the degree of refinement of an author can be measured.
Category: Notes
If There Were a Science of Biographies…
If there were a science of biographies, more interesting than analyzing strokes of luck, unforeseen events, and other relevant determinations of fate would be to delve deeper into the study of these very frequent complex circumstances, in which merit is not entirely absent, but clearly not enough to justify the success achieved, and then it is argued that this, there, at the right time and in the specific circumstance, “had to happen.” Others, perhaps with more talent and greater merit, did not enjoy similar results, and then one wonders why. Such circumstances are impressive and sometimes determine an entire life. How can they be explained? On a mundane level, they achieve something incredible and leave no other impression than that the biographee was born to do what he did.
It Is Sad to See That It Is Not Uncommon…
It is sad to see that it is not uncommon to encounter such hardened natures, for whom time only intensifies the cycle of mistakes from which they cannot free themselves. Living with such people is extremely painful, especially after a few years, when you are certain that there will be no change and the situation will only get worse. The day comes when the discomfort becomes unbearable, and then all that remains is to abandon them to their fate. But the worst thing is that doing so does not solve the problem, and leaves a wound on the conscience that is very difficult to heal…
No Man Is Passive Enough to Reach Old Age…
No man is passive enough to reach old age and, looking back, be able to justify himself as a victim of the life he has led. This is never possible, and noticing this reveals a valuable lesson. There is always an action that follows the impositions of fate, and it is in this action that one’s personal mark is engraved. In a biography, such actions are highlighted, and just as they cannot be separated from the events that motivated them, neither can they be separated from those that came about because of them. After all, it is always possible to point out the weight of individual responsibility.