Real Presences: A Groundbreaking Work of Literary Criticism by George Steiner

Real Presences

by George Steiner

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1413 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	248 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Published in 1989, Real Presences is a groundbreaking work of literary criticism by George Steiner. The book explores the relationship between language and reality, and it argues that language is not simply a tool for communication but a way of creating and shaping our world.

Steiner begins by arguing that language is not a neutral medium through which we can transmit information about the world. Rather, language is a complex and nuanced system that shapes our perceptions of reality and influences our thoughts and actions.

Steiner draws on a wide range of examples from literature, philosophy, and history to illustrate his argument. He shows how language can be used to create illusions, to manipulate people, and to control their thoughts. He also shows how language can be used to express the most profound truths about human existence.

Real Presences is a challenging and thought-provoking book that has had a major impact on the field of literary criticism. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the relationship between language and reality.

The Relationship Between Language and Reality

At the heart of Real Presences is Steiner's exploration of the relationship between language and reality. Steiner argues that language is not simply a tool for communication but a way of creating and shaping our world.

Steiner draws on the work of philosophers such as Ludwig Wittgenstein and Martin Heidegger to develop his theory of language. Wittgenstein argued that language is a "game" that we play in Free Download to communicate with each other. Heidegger argued that language is a way of "being-in-the-world." Steiner combines these two perspectives to argue that language is a social and historical phenomenon that shapes our understanding of reality.

Steiner's theory of language has implications for our understanding of literature. He argues that literature is not simply a reflection of reality but a way of creating new realities. Through language, writers can create worlds that are different from our own and explore the possibilities of human existence.

The Uses and Abuses of Language

In Real Presences, Steiner also explores the uses and abuses of language. He shows how language can be used to create illusions, to manipulate people, and to control their thoughts. He also shows how language can be used to express the most profound truths about human existence.

Steiner is particularly concerned with the way that language can be used to create illusions. He argues that language can be used to create a false sense of reality, to make us believe things that are not true. This can be dangerous, as it can lead us to make decisions that are not in our best interests.

Steiner is also concerned with the way that language can be used to manipulate people. He argues that language can be used to persuade people to do things that they do not want to do. This can be harmful, as it can lead to people being exploited or even abused.

However, Steiner also acknowledges that language can be used for good. He argues that language can be used to express the most profound truths about human existence. Through language, we can communicate our thoughts and feelings to others and share our experiences with the world.

The Importance of Real Presences

Real Presences is a groundbreaking work of literary criticism that has had a major impact on the field. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the relationship between language and reality.

In Real Presences, Steiner offers a unique and challenging perspective on the nature of language. He argues that language is not simply a tool for communication but a way of creating and shaping our world. This perspective has implications for our understanding of literature, philosophy, and history.

Real Presences is a complex and thought-provoking book, but it is also a rewarding one. Steiner's insights into the nature of language are profound and illuminating. Real Presences is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the relationship between language and reality.

Real Presences

by George Steiner

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1413 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	248 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE