ISBN : 9782296117075
LA TABLE QUI DÉSIRE LA COMMUNICATION. PONGE AND THE OBJECT
Jung-A Hue1
Through the study of La Table of Francis Ponge, this article investigates the relationship
between words and objects centralized on the question of why and how to communicate
with the object, as well as the function and meaning of words as material. Known as
poet of the thing, Ponge illustrates a very exceptional and unique example of communication.
Ponge communicates with the thing to show the thing itself as it is, without any
prejudices or fixed ideas. Before having communication, the thing is characterized by
silence; it is unexpressed by words. Communication gives words to the silent thing. The
words serve to recover the severed communication between the subject and the object.
Ponge dreams of a complete unification between the object and words. However, Ponge
is aware that this perfect communication is a non realistic utopia. His usage of words
as a medium is accomplished by maintaining a good distance that allows the depiction
of the object's various aspects. Ponge considers the thing as the absolute other, and
finally realizes that the subject of the writing can never possess the object. Thus, he
is able to enjoy the play of words, through rejecting completion of works and having
interactive communication with object. This attitude toward the object is significant in
suggesting another view on the phenomenon of digital culture in South Korea, where
there is a strong tendency to identify the subject and object as equals.
KEYWORDS : PONGE, OBJECT, THING, COMMUNICATION, WRITING, WORDS, TABLE