Speech and Silence within Limits:Conversation in Henry James's "Brooksmith"

Abstract

Keywords

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Speech and Silence within Limits: Conversation in Henry Jame’s “Brooksmith”

Abstract

Reciprocity of speech is a central theme in Henry James’s short story “Brooksmith,” and related to other prominent elements and themes such as dialogue, loss of space, extinction of voice and speech/silence dichotomy. The fact that dialogue in the story appears more as a subject than as a form, more talked about than actualized in writing, makes it the main concern of the narrative, which depends on it whether it is present or lacking. Obviously the idea of conversation itself is more prominent than any specific subject of conversation, and it is more valued due to merits like interestingness and coherence as an element of social life. Reciprocity of speech is essential as a subject to the continuity of narration; and it is important to the characters in relation to their concern about securing their habitual states and feeling situated, which becomes the focus of narration. Its significance is generally apparent in the celebration of its presence and the lamentation and longing in its absence, and more closely demonstrated in the experiences of the three main characters.

Keywords

• Speech
• Silence
• Limits

References

1. Blanchot, Maurice. The Book to Come [translated by Charlotte Mandell] (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2003)
2. Blanchot, Maurice. The Infinite Conversation [translated by Susan Hanson] (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2003).
3. James, Henry. “Brooksmith” in Milton Crane (ed.) 50 Great Short Stories (Toronto: Bantam Books, 1983)
4. Miller, J. Hillis. Literature as Conduct: Speech Acts in Henry James (New York: Fordham University Press, 2005).