Anne Michaels
The comparison here between silence and muteness is interesting to me. I am a little bit fascinated with silence at the moment - and the many ways we can interpret it. I think this comparison feels like the one between loneliness and solitude. From an external perspective they can appear the same; yet the experience of them is so very different.
Muteness to me implies cessation as she suggests; but perhaps also an external input. Something from the outside which acts.
Silence can be either external or internal I think; and I think she is describing that quiet space, that well of offering that enables things to come forth, to begin.
Almost as if silence is an opportunity. I think I shall be pondering the notion that 'something happens in silence' for a little while yet...
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Some of my favourite pieces about silence Sentinels (2010).
Another of your full of thought posts. I'm enjoying thinking about the differences between these two... I'm thinking muteness stems from a decision, one that can be internal or external but still stems from some kind of "decision" or action by someone or something. Silence can be intentional but can also just happen, and I wonder if the latter is the kind of silence where things can happen? That they are different seems the easy part of this "pondering" but what can happen in silence that wouldn't it muteness is harder.
ReplyDeleteAhh Jillayne I love the way you ponder! On further reflection I think you are right that muteness can be either an internal or external 'force' at play. One can choose to be mute - but it is definitely a decision. Or it can be forced upon one by society, relationships or other things I imagine. A decision by others. My sense is that muteness might carry with it a sense of disquiet or discomfort which suggests cessation? whereas silence no matter how it manifests may not be discomforting (and yet of course it might!). So much to ponder in these thoughts!
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