ENGL 405 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Georg Simmel, Ventriloquism, Fire Eating

• School: McGill University
• Department: English
• Course: ENGL 405
• Professor: curtis brown

Document Summary

Simmel - - > the level of economic specialization that the metropolis makes possible. In the city, struggle against nature to meet needs becomes struggle against other people. Mayhew deeply interested in niche- like business in the london streets. Mayhew a great collector of voices - - > values the performative aspect of slang anf vernacular. Repetition of "eyes" - - > creates a morbid ubiquity. The absurdity of it is what makes it representational of london markets. Alienation of labour and estrangement. But also how the making of the eyes connects everyone, brings full- bloodedness to dolls/childhoods. Mayhew trying to focus on the little beauties that are normally skated over. Maker is at the heart of many homes, what brings dolls to life. Eye maker has access to the secrets and intimate details of peoples lives. Husband doesn"t know it"s a glass eye, but the maker does.