Abstract
César Aira’s anti-conventional writing opts neither for the formless not for formalism; it employs avant-garde procedures while adhering to certain conventions of the novel. The tension between procedures and conventions and a taste for asymmetry swing abruptly from one genre to another. Deformity is emblematised by the appearance of monsters, often coinciding with the swing. Before producing its disturbing effects, deformity assures the continuity of Aira’s writing. He seems to privilege the continuity of the process over the quality of the product. But the quality judgements are based on a state of the system of genres, which evolves unpredictably.
Translated title of the contribution | Formless, asymmetry and monstruosity in the writings of César Aira |
---|---|
Original language | French |
Title of host publication | La Forme et l'Informe Dans la Création Moderne et Contemporaine: Actes du Colloque, Organisé du 11 au 18 Juillet 2008 au Château de Cerisy-la-Salle |
Editors | Jean-Jacques Thomas, Bernardo Schiavetta |
Place of Publication | France |
Publisher | Noésis |
Pages | 375-384 |
Number of pages | 10 |
ISBN (Print) | 9782353260263 |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |