“We create works by utilizing the corrosive effect of language that erodes reality.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「われわれは言葉が現実を蝕むその腐食作用を利用して作品を作るのである。」
English
“We create works by utilizing the corrosive effect of language that erodes reality.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima explores the power of language and its ability to shape or even distort reality. He suggests that language does not merely reflect the world but has the capacity to erode or corrupt it. The phrase “corrosive effect” implies that words, while conveying meaning, can also deform or reshape our understanding of the world, much like how rust eats away at metal. For Mishima, artistic creation involves harnessing this power of language to craft meaning that may not simply mirror reality but transform it, allowing for a deeper artistic expression.
This perspective aligns with Mishima’s view of art as a tool for reinterpreting reality, not as a mere reflection of the world but as a transformative process that challenges and redefines what we perceive. The “erosion” of reality suggests that art, through the use of language, does not always aim to provide a clear or direct representation of the world; rather, it distorts or remolds it to reveal deeper truths or hidden meanings.
In a modern context, Mishima’s idea may resonate with how language and media shape our perception of the world today. The language of advertising, political rhetoric, or social media often distorts or manipulates reality, constructing narratives that influence our beliefs and understanding. Mishima’s words remind us of the power of language not only to reflect but to reshape the world around us, and how artists or creators can use this power to push the boundaries of reality and imagination.
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