Description
Jacques Lacan is known not only as a revolutionary and significant psychoanalyst, but also as the most controversial psychoanalyst since Freud. His psychoanalytical theory, founded on the basic Freudian concepts, introduces a new and unique set of ideas as well. Lacan is also innovative in his reading of literature. He read the works of the great authors and merged his literary studies with his analytic experience, developing a unique method of literary criticism.
This book presents a Lacanian reading of the poetry of David Avidan and Yona Wallach. Through explanation of the key concepts of Lacan`s theory the author demonstrates Lacan`s special way of reading poetry. This method differs from the traditional psychoanalytical criticism of Lacan`s time and from the familiar tradition of textual criticism. Lacan refused to see in poetry an aesthetic platform for the expression of psychoanalytical ideas but, rather, regarded poetry as a favorable model for learning and understanding psychoanalytical objectives. Poetry cannot be grasped on a non-rational level or as fiction. It has an essential purpose as a creative medium that reveals what is lacking at the basis of language. This approach to poetry redefines the concept of the Lacanian ``reading``: it does not seek out meanings but rather deals with the dimension of the unknown and focuses on areas lacking meaning. It does not necessarily lead to a clear interpretation but constitutes a new existential option for both readers and writers. The confusion and embarrassment aroused by Wallach and Avidan in Israeli culture is an indication that they represent, more than others, the problem of what is lacking in language, and that they dealt with this problem through an inventive, subversive and at times violent process. Their poetry shows us what Lacan set out to reveal: not only is poetry able to convey a message; it may provide enjoyment as well.


From the series Interpretation and Culture.
Interpretation and Culture – A Series
Edited by: Prof. Avi Sagi

Man`s nature is to interpret. Human beings, as individuals and as members of a society, are constantly engaged in the interpretation of their deeds, their values, their world and entire realm of activity. The act of interpretation is not the exclusive domain of scholars who research culture. Rather, it is first and foremost, common to every person in this world who strives to find meaning in all spheres of his activity. The act of interpretation is one of the distinguishing characteristics of human existence. Man as a creative thinker is not content with action alone. On the contrary, his acts are accompanied by explanation aimed at understanding. The art of interpretation is usually imbedded in the physical act itself. It is not confined to the light of awareness and methodological consciousness.
However, at times interpretation becomes the main focus of study and our attention is diverted from practice to theory. This transition marks the beginning of a new interpretive approach to the study of different areas of human activity by means of deciphering, analysis and description. Such work is carried out by the theoretician and interpretation becomes an independent research discipline.

The series ``Interpretation and Culture`` deals with interpretative instances. The books in the series treat the field of interpretation in various aspects: interpretation of literary, philosophical and theological texts, and interpretation of cultures and societies. Each and every book strives to propose an original, challenging interpretive reading.