To celebrate our collective impending weekend freedom here is a link to what may very possibly be the best short story ever written: Symbols and Signs by Vladimir Nabokov.
SYMBOLS & SIGNS
I'm pretty certain at this point that Nabokov is the best writer ever although there are a few more of his works I need to read before I can say this definitively. No one can do what he can do with the written word. I love this phrase from Symbols and Signs so much, "...of neglected children humming to themselves in unswept corners." He writes phrases like that - which stick in my mind for days.
I began writing short stories when I was eight years old. I love writing but everytime I read Symbols & Signs I want to punch myself in the face and burn everything I have ever written.
Enjoy! Love, Elle
I only read it once, so far. What are your thoughts on the meaning of the title?
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking about the peculiar mental illness that the son has, and his fear of all the details on daily life. As you point out, the details that are pointed out are very descriptive. Do you think there is any connection between the focus on the details and the son's life threatening fear?