Quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schroeder:
Whether it's fair to Derrida and postmodernism or not (and I tend to think twisting their own ideas against them is a valid approach), I'm sure both of you realize that virtually all parody and satire is (A) unfair to the subject it's making fun of and (B) preaching to the choir to some extent, especially if you're a contrarian non-choir member. That's just the way it is.
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My point was that Paul is unfair to postmodern criticism in his essay on postmodern criticism; not in this piece. I bring that point up on this thread because Paul objected to the notion that works of literature should be subjected to what I termed "withering critique." I agreed in part. I have no problem with withering critique, so long as it is preceded by a profound understanding and appreciation of the work criticized.
Even when preaching to the choir, one ought to understand the subject-matter of one's satire, and understanding requires that one, at least in the first instance, give that subject-matter a fair hearing.
epigone