Writer's Image

What is a writer’s image? 

Is it Faulkner pouring another drink, Baudelaire walking his lobster in the park, or Sylvia Plath who loved death too much? Is it James Joyce with his poor eyesight and bow tie? Perhaps Marianne Moore who was a political conservative, looked like the stereotypical maiden aunt (black cape and tricorn hat aside), and loved boxing matches. Gertrude Stein comes to mind, holding court in Paris and loving Alice’s cooking a bit too much. Then there is Anne Bradstreet who said some shocking things for a “nice puritan lady” and got away with it. What about Georges Simenon, one of the worst womanizers, whose famous Maigret was the most uxorious of men. 

Will the real writer please stand up? Wave? Anyone? 

Maybe there is no image. Writers can be anything they like. How refreshing!

Comments

[Camille Minichino]

I love this, Priscilla.

Maybe I'll do something similar for scientists. Tesla feeding his pigeons, Einstein writing nasty notes to his wife . . .

[Priscilla]

Tesla feeding his pigeons? Now you have got me intrigued, Camille. Yes, do the scientists. I can't be the only one who loves details that make people 3 dimensional and often shatter stereotypes...

[rita lakin]

Great P. Loved all the images. But how did they see themselves, I wonder.

How do we see ourselves? I'm afraid to ask.

[Priscilla]

I love the question, Rita. Hadn't thought about it quite that way. You have given me some fun musing time.