The coat of arms that is currently depicted on the Spanish flag may feature a lion as a heraldic animal, but during the past centuries of Iberian cultural history the taurine brute, especially the so-called Toro de Osborne (Brandes 780-781), has become the country’s unofficial, more popular and widely known trademark symbol (ibid.).
This development is, of course, rooted in the nation’s continuous passion for the bullfight and along with the flamenco dance the custom performance of tauromachy remains a pillar of patriotic identity for many Spaniards. It comes as no surprise, then, that the corrida features heavily in a wide selection of publications of virtually all literary genres.
Among the more recent works in this field, Alison Louise Kennedy’s On Bullfighting provides an introduction to the past and present of the tauromachy tradition and combines it with the Scottish novelist’s perspective on the act of literary composition as a non-fictional version of Kennedy narrates her progress in researching and writing about the corrida to the reader. The following pages explore how she establishes parallels between the routines, passions, and beliefs of the literary artist and the matador, respectively, and then uses them to underline how both are devoted to exerting and expanding a level of control in their approaches to life and work. For the writer, this is particularly relevant with regards to his or her handling of inspiration and its implementation in the written word and the paper therefore closes with remarks on whether or not On Bullfighting’s A. L. Kennedy succeeds in regaining her authoritative power over both aspects of her profession as she struggles through depression and a severe writer’s block connected to past emotional trauma.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Parallels between writers and bullfighters
- Lifestyle and social status
- Vocation
- Religion, spirituality and superstition
- Fascination with death
- Bullfighting and writing as acts of control
- The corrida and comprehension
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The main objective of this work is to explore the parallels between the life and work of a writer and a matador, as depicted in A. L. Kennedy's On Bullfighting. The book uses this comparison to examine the themes of control, the pressures of public performance versus private creation, and the toll that creative professions can take on the individual's physical and mental well-being.
- Parallels between the lifestyles and social status of writers and matadors
- The act of writing and bullfighting as forms of control and self-expression
- The impact of public perception and pressure on creative individuals
- The physical and mental health challenges faced by both writers and matadors
- The relationship between creativity, inspiration, and emotional trauma
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introduction establishes the significance of bullfighting in Spanish culture and introduces A.L. Kennedy's On Bullfighting as a non-fictional account of her experiences researching and writing about the subject. It highlights the book's exploration of parallels between the lives and work of writers and matadors, focusing on their shared pursuit of control and the pressures they face. The introduction sets the stage for an analysis of how Kennedy uses the corrida as a metaphor for the creative process and the challenges of artistic expression.
1. Parallels between writers and bullfighters: This chapter delves into the similarities between the lives of writers and matadors, primarily focusing on their lifestyles and social standing. Kennedy contrasts the public perception of glamorous success with the often grueling realities of both professions. She discusses the extensive travel, promotional activities, and marketing pressures faced by writers, contrasting this with the demanding physical and mental toll on matadors, including the risks of injury and death in the arena. The chapter also explores the pressures of public expectation and the potential for emotional and psychological strain to manifest in unhealthy coping mechanisms such as depression or substance abuse, common to both groups. Kennedy's own physical ailments are linked to these stressors, suggesting that the physical and mental health of both professions are intertwined with their demanding lifestyles and public image.
A. L. Kennedy's *On Bullfighting*: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of A. L. Kennedy's *On Bullfighting*?
The book explores the parallels between the lives and work of writers and matadors, using bullfighting as a metaphor for the creative process and the challenges of artistic expression. It examines themes of control, the pressures of public performance versus private creation, and the toll creative professions take on an individual's physical and mental well-being.
What are the key themes explored in the book?
Key themes include the parallels between the lifestyles and social status of writers and matadors; the act of writing and bullfighting as forms of control and self-expression; the impact of public perception and pressure on creative individuals; the physical and mental health challenges faced by both writers and matadors; and the relationship between creativity, inspiration, and emotional trauma.
What comparisons are drawn between writers and bullfighters?
The book draws comparisons between the lifestyles, social status, vocation, religious/spiritual beliefs, fascination with death, and the pressures of public performance faced by both writers and bullfighters. It highlights the similarities in the demanding nature of both professions, the risks involved, and the potential for emotional and psychological strain.
How does the book use bullfighting as a metaphor?
The book uses the corrida (bullfight) as a metaphor for the creative process, comparing the controlled risk-taking, intense focus, and vulnerability of both the matador and the writer. The public spectacle and the intense preparation both professions require are also highlighted.
What is the overall objective of the analysis presented in the preview?
The objective is to analyze A. L. Kennedy's *On Bullfighting* and explore the parallels she draws between the lives and work of writers and matadors, focusing on the themes mentioned above and how they are presented in the book.
What does the preview include?
The preview provides a comprehensive overview, including the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. This allows for a thorough understanding of the book's central arguments and approach.
What is covered in the chapter summaries provided in the preview?
The preview offers a summary of the introduction, which sets the stage for the analysis, and a summary of the first chapter, which delves into the parallels between the lives of writers and matadors, focusing on lifestyles, social standing, and the pressures of public life. The summaries highlight Kennedy's personal experiences and the link between physical and mental health in both professions.
- Citar trabajo
- Anonym (Autor), 2015, Writing and Tauromachy in A. L. Kennedy’s "On Bullfighting", Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/295039
