Noble Numbers, Subtle Words: The Art of Mathematics in the Science of StorytellingThis study approaches the use of mathematics in fiction in an entirely new way, as a potent instrument of language. Following Wittgenstein's description of mathematical constructs as a component of ordinary language, Fisher shows how number, geometric figuration, algebraic coding, and transcendent abstractions have been made to function as practical narrative tools. Far from rehearsing the various paradigms of numerology, whether Pythagorean, Elizabethan, or Cabalistic, this book explores the tactical deployment of mathematical objects as shaping and framing agents. It reveals how mathematical objects may be subordinated to the storyteller's art. |
Contents
| 7 | |
| 11 | |
The Telltale Figure | 19 |
Zero Reason Infinite Need | 34 |
The Mathematics of Pandaemonium | 49 |
Jamesian Geometry | 73 |
Borges Algebra and Fire | 90 |
Minutes for Seven Letters Beloved | 113 |
Notes | 128 |
Bibliography | 150 |
Index | 160 |
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Noble Numbers, Subtle Words: The Art of Mathematics in the Science of ... Barbara M. Fisher No preview available - 1997 |
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abstract Aleph aleph null algebra alphabet arithmetic Beatriz Book of Sand Borges's Boyer Cabala Cabalists Cambridge Cantor Cantorian cardinal number chapter character circle color context Danieri Densher digits doctrine drama edited elements ematics emblems essay fiction figure G. E. M. Anscombe G. H. von Wright Galileo geometry Georg Cantor Greek Henry James History of Mathematics Ibid identity infinite infinity Italian Hours James's John Milton Jorge Luis Borges King Lear language Lear's letter literary logic Lord Mark Ludwig Wittgenstein Matcham mathematician meaning Milly Milly's Monegal mystical narrative notion novel Number Symbols number words numerology Oxford Pandaemonium Paradise Lost passage Paul Peirce Philosophical physical poem poet poetry Pythagorean reader reading Regan Satan's scene sense Sethe Shakespeare square story structure suggests tells term tion trans transfinite number University Press Venice vision William Wings Words and Number York zero
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