Night 14

Translated voices: war's long shadow

Readings

  • poem
    The End and the Beginning Wisława Szymborska Read at Poetry Foundation →
  • essay
    Hiroshima Notes (excerpt) Kenzaburō Ōe
  • story
    Wanderer, Comest Thou to Spa... Heinrich Böll
War doesn't end when the shooting stops, and tonight's three writers -- all working in translation -- are interested in what comes after. Szymborska watches someone sweep up after a war with a broom. Oe visits Hiroshima and tries to find language for what he sees there. Boll puts a wounded German soldier in a building he slowly recognizes. Each writer chooses a small, specific image to carry the weight of something enormous. Notice what they leave out.

Journal entry coming soon.