The use of the dictionary is assumed and exhibited in Ponge’s oeuvre at the moment when the text no longer exerts any authority - after the writings of Parti pris des choses and their “somewhat restricted infallibility.” Ponge relies on an authority (that of the Littré) at the moment when the slide from closed to open texts testifies to the adoption of a position of ignorance rather than one of authority. To reflect on Ponge’s relation to the Littré is to question his relation to authority and authorities.
CLIL theme: 4027 -- SCIENCES HUMAINES ET SOCIALES, LETTRES -- Lettres et Sciences du langage -- Lettres -- Etudes littéraires générales et thématiques