Welcome to our online creative writing course on the theme of Waiting. In this course, we will explore waiting from philosophical, socio-political, and emotional dimensions, drawing on the works of Jean-Paul Sartre, Martin Heidegger, Anri Sala, and Roland Barthes.
Philosophical theories of waiting invite us to reflect on the nature of time and our relationship to it, revealing the tension between the immediacy of our present experience and the anticipation of what lies ahead. Waiting becomes a crucible for exploring questions of authenticity, challenging us to cultivate a deeper sense of presence and engagement with the here and now.
We will draw inspiration from "1395 Days Without Red," a collaborative film project by Anri Sala and filmmaker Šejla Kamerić, created in 2011. In the film, waiting is not merely a passive experience but a necessity for survival, highlighting its socio-political implications. Additionally, we will examine an extract from Roland Barthes' "A Lover's Discourse: Fragments," where Barthes delves into the theme of waiting within the context of love and desire. Barthes captures the complex interplay of emotions inherent in the act of waiting, offering a nuanced exploration of its psychological and existential dimensions.
Join us as we explore these rich and profound dimensions of waiting, deepening our understanding of this universal human experience through creative writing.
theory
Philosophical theories of waiting delve into the deeper existential and metaphysical dimensions of this ubiquitous human experience. Waiting is not merely a passive interval between events but a profound aspect of human existence that raises fundamental questions about time, meaning, and the nature of reality.
Existentialist perspectives: Existentialist philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger have offered profound insights into the nature of waiting. For Sartre, waiting represents a state of existential anguish, where individuals confront the emptiness and uncertainty of existence. In his seminal work "Being and Nothingness," (1943) Sartre describes waiting as a form of "ontological vertigo," where the individual grapples with the absence of meaning and the weight of their own freedom. Waiting exposes us to the fundamental contingency of our existence, highlighting the absurdity of human life in a universe devoid of inherent purpose.
Similarly, Heidegger explores waiting as a fundamental mode of being-in-the-world. In "Being and Time," (1927) Heidegger introduces the concept of "Dasein," or human existence, as fundamentally characterized by a sense of anticipation and projection towards the future. Waiting, for Heidegger, reveals the temporal structure of human existence, highlighting our profound orientation towards possibilities and potentialities. In waiting, we confront the existential tension between our present condition and our future aspirations, grappling with the uncertainty of what is to come.
Temporal experience and authenticity: Philosophical theories of waiting also invite us to reflect on the nature of time and our relationship to it. Waiting exposes the tension between the immediacy of our present experience and the anticipation of what lies ahead. In this sense, waiting becomes a crucible for exploring questions of authenticity and temporality. Are we truly present in the moment, or are we always projecting ourselves into the future, waiting for some future event to validate our existence? Waiting challenges us to confront our relationship to time and to cultivate a deeper sense of presence and engagement with the here and now.
Meaning-making and existential fulfillment: Furthermore, waiting invites us to grapple with questions of meaning and fulfillment. In the face of uncertainty and contingency, how do we find purpose and significance in our lives? Philosophical theories of waiting prompt us to consider the role of hope, resilience, and existential commitment in navigating the challenges of waiting. Waiting becomes not just a passive endurance of time but an active engagement with the possibilities that lie ahead. It is in the act of waiting that we confront the fundamental questions of human existence and strive to create meaning amidst the flux of life.
inspiration
"1395 Days Without Red" is a collaborative film project by Anri Sala and filmmaker Šejla Kamerić, created in 2011. The title refers to the duration of the Siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War, from 5 April 1992 to 29 February 1996.
"1395 Days Without Red" is deeply related to the concept of waiting, albeit in a unique and heightened context. In the film, waiting is not merely a passive experience but a necessity for survival. The act of waiting to cross the street becomes symbolic of the prolonged periods of anticipation and uncertainty endured by the residents of Sarajevo during the siege.
Throughout the film, the protagonist waits for the opportune moment to traverse the dangerous open space, knowing that any misstep could be fatal. This waiting is not idle but imbued with tension, fear, and the constant awareness of the looming threat of sniper fire. Every pause, every hesitation, is fraught with the weight of life-and-death decisions.
The film captures the psychological toll of waiting under extreme circumstances, highlighting the profound impact it has on individual resilience and coping mechanisms. It invites viewers to contemplate the universal experience of waiting, albeit in a context that amplifies its significance and urgency.
In essence, "1395 Days Without Red" uses the act of waiting as a lens through which to explore the human condition in times of crisis. It underscores the transformative power of waiting, revealing its capacity to test our resolve, shape our perceptions, and ultimately, define our humanity in the face of adversity.
Download "A Lover's Discourse: Fragments" (1977) by Roland Barthes from the link above. Read the chapter on "Waiting," pages 37-40.
"A Lover's Discourse: Fragments" (1977) is a seminal work by Roland Barthes, a prominent French literary theorist, philosopher, and critic. In this book, Barthes explores the language of love and desire, dissecting the nuances of romantic relationships through a series of fragmented reflections and observations.
"A Lover's Discourse" is not a conventional narrative but rather a collection of aphoristic fragments, each offering a glimpse into the inner world of the lover. Barthes examines the experience of love from a variety of angles, touching on themes such as waiting, longing, loss, desire, jealousy, and uncertainty. Through his poetic prose, he delves into the psychological and emotional complexities of romantic attachment, illuminating the ways in which language shapes our understanding of love.
Barthes's approach in "A Lover's Discourse" is deeply influenced by structuralism and semiotics, fields of study that he helped to popularize in the mid-20th century. He employs these analytical tools to deconstruct the cultural and linguistic codes that govern romantic relationships, revealing the ways in which language both constructs and reflects our experiences of love.
creative exercise
Engage in this creative writing exercise to delve into the structural and semiotic dimensions of waiting within romantic relationships, drawing inspiration from Roland Barthes' "A Lover's Discourse: Fragments."
Step-by-step instructions:
Reading assignment: Dive into the chapter on "Waiting" from Barthes' seminal work, pages 37-40. Pay attention to his language use and the structural intricacies embedded within his writing.
Analysis of structuralism and semiotics: Take a moment to acquaint yourself with the foundational concepts of structuralism and semiotics. Structuralism is a theoretical framework that examines the underlying structures that shape human culture and behavior, while semiotics is the study of signs and symbols and their meanings. Beyond mere understanding, delve deeper into the essence of Barthes' fragmented narrative style. Consider how his method of weaving together disparate elements forms a mosaic of emotions and meanings.
Identify (structural) patterns: Reflect deeply on Barthes' fragmented narrative style. Uncover the structural patterns within the text, including recurring motifs, thematic threads, and linguistic devices. Extend your understanding of "patterns" within the context of love and waiting. Delve into the intricacies of his mosaic-like technique, exploring how broken pieces can convey nuanced emotions and experiences. Consider how the juxtaposition of dictionary-like objectivity and diary-style subjectivity creates a tension, inviting the reader to oscillate between intimacy and detachment. Choreograph your reader's experience by strategically employing distance and proximity.
Create your own fragments: Inspired by Barthes' text, craft your own "stages of waiting" within romantic relationships. Experiment with various narrative voices, perspectives, and stylistic techniques to capture the complexities of longing, anticipation, and uncertainty. Consider how you can guide your reader to oscillate between intimacy and detachment, closeness and distance.
Deconstruct symbolic meanings: Explore the semiotic dimensions of waiting by examining the symbolic meanings attached to objects, gestures, and actions associated with waiting in love. Play with ambivalence and confusion, utilizing both general and personal symbols to enrich your narrative with layers of interpretation.
Reflective analysis: After crafting your fragments, take a moment for introspection. Reflect on the structural and semiotic choices you've made in your writing. Consider how these elements contribute to the interpretation and understanding of waiting in romantic relationships. Reflect on how you utilized the frame to liberate your creativity, navigating between intimacy and distance to enhance the reader's experience.
stay motivated!
As we conclude our exploration of waiting and its intricate relationship with time, it's crucial to reflect on the notion that controlling time is a form of domination. In both personal and professional realms, the imposition of deadlines and rhythms can wield significant power dynamics, shaping the dynamics of relationships and creative endeavors.
Within the art world, these power dynamics are even more palpable, as artists navigate between the demands of rapid production and the slow, deliberate process of creativity. The tension between these opposing temporalities highlights the need to challenge the dictatorship of speed and embrace a more nuanced understanding of time.
The "School of Disobedience" was born out of this need to defy the pressure to constantly be ahead of the curve and to reclaim our agency over time. It invites us to unlearn the notion of being perpetually late and instead embrace the idea that we are right on time—each of us existing within our own time zone, allowing for the freedom to follow our own rhythms and creative processes.
As we part ways, let us carry with us the understanding that time is not a force to be controlled, but a dimension to be embraced and respected. Let us unlearn the belief that speed is synonymous with progress, and instead cultivate patience, trust, and resilience in our artistic journeys. By embracing our own time and honoring the time of others, we can create a space where creativity flourishes and true connection is fostered.