To new readers, am creative writing student at Fritzonian Institute, and have been accused of libelling principle tutor by implying in my letters that she is obsessed with famous Jacques Derrida and incapable of delivering lecture without his name being mentioned at least six times. Am fortunate to have support of classmates, most of whom see little connection between literary theorists and practice of writing.
For the uninitiated, Derrida was French philosopher who developed theory known as deconstruction. He was post-structuralist and associated with postmodern philosophy.
To help me, Maya and Cindy (canines) have formed study group. Met first time last week. At Maya's suggestion, topic was post-structuralism (yawn, have tried to get to grips with this before). Agreed she would lead discussion. To demonstrate increasing confidence, she put together information without checking notes or resources. Began by telling us that post-structuralism, contrary to what intellectuals believe, is about rethinking the concept of an envelope, and coming up with something more robust which can't be chewed by dogs or cats when dropped through letterbox when occupants are out. Should add that Cindy not pointiest needle in sewing box, and often misunderstands literary concepts (even more than I do).
Discussion broke up quickly with Cindy asking why we keep discussing post-modernism and post-structuralism. If we haven't got it by now, we never will. Have to agree. Decided to keep meetings for social activity and forget about becoming pseudo-intellectuals.
Following day Neville scuttled into my basket, put his paws on my tummy and squeaked at me to wake up because he had urgent matter to discuss. Over Christmas period, attention had been focused on Henri and his trauma of being accused of plagiarism in one of his recipes from Guineapigging Out. Neville, partly wanting some attention, partly wanting to make the point that Henri isn't the only creature with ambitions, has decided to remake his video about breakdancing for elderly cats. And this includes having professional photo of himself on front cover. Unknown to us, he's already approached a photographer, and is gearing up to attending photo shoot. However, he has huge concerns about what to do to be better groomed and whether he should have surgery on his nose to give it more distinguished appearance.
Agreed that as small risk attached to having general anaesthetic, should consult with Saussure and Notsaussure - flatmates - when they return from skiing in St Moritz.
Purrs
Bakhtin
