At the Crossroads of Maurice Blanchot and Francis Ponge: Writing Outside Language

Abstract

The present article aims at examining the relationship between writing and language starting from Maurice Blanchot’s formula–‘writing outside language’. Beyond this formula, it is the act of naming which is analysed by combining Francis Ponge’s poetic practice and Blanchot’s critical analysis on literary expression. In the eyes of these two writers, writing is first of all a work built ‘behind the scenes’ of the word. It is all about reflecting on what makes the difference between poetry as mere assertion and literature as a non-assertive space. It is the very paradox of literary space: the manner in which words tend to get as close as possible to the deep nature of things without ever being able to name them, poetry and literature also being such uncertain naming attempts. Thus, writing becomes the place of an experience outside language which is built in a previous and inner space of any language. The meeting between Blanchot and Ponge provides the opportunity to get into the space outside language which is not on the outside of language.