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. |
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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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Page 56 - He scarce had ceased, when the superior fiend Was moving toward the shore ; his ponderous shield, Ethereal temper, massy, large, and round, Behind him cast ; the broad circumference Hung on his shoulders like the moon, whose orb Through optic glass the Tuscan artist views At evening from the top of Fesole Or in Valdarno, to descry new lands, Rivers, or mountains, in her spotty globe.
Page 63 - A shout, that tore Hell's concave, and beyond Frighted the reign of Chaos and old Night. All in a moment through the gloom were seen Ten thousand banners rise into the air With orient colours waving: with them rose A forest huge of spears, and thronging helms Appear'd. and serried shields in thick array Of depth immeasurable...
Page 65 - Their dread commander ; he, above the rest In shape and gesture proudly eminent, Stood like a tower ; his form had yet not lost All her original brightness, nor appeared Less than archangel ruined, and the excess Of glory obscured...
Page 66 - Sheer o'er the crystal battlements : from morn To noon he fell, from noon to dewy eve, A summer's day...
Page 65 - Looks through the horizontal misty air Shorn of his beams; or from behind the moon, In dim eclipse, disastrous twilight sheds On half the nations, and with fear of change Perplexes monarchs.
Page 64 - Advanced in view they stand, a horrid* front Of dreadful length and dazzling arms, in guise Of warriors old, with ordered spear and shield, Awaiting what command their mighty chief Had to impose. He through the armed files Darts his experienced eye, and soon traverse The whole battalion views, their order due, Their visages and stature as of gods; Their number last he sums. And now his heart Distends with pride...
Page 40 - No, you unnatural hags, I will have such revenges on you both, That all the world shall — I will do such things,— What they are, yet I know not ; but they shall be The terrors of the earth. You think, I'll weep; No, I'll not weep: — I have full cause of weeping; but this heart Shall break into a hundred thousand flaws, Or ere I'll weep : — O, fool, I shall go mad ! [Exeunt LEAR, GLOSTER, KENT, and Fool Corn.
Page 59 - There it was that I found and visited the famous Galileo, grown old, a prisoner to the Inquisition, for thinking in astronomy otherwise than the Franciscan and Dominican licensers thought.
Page 28 - His legs bestrid the ocean : his rear'd arm Crested the world : his voice was propertied As all the tuned spheres, and that to friends ; But when he meant to quail and shake the orb, He was as rattling thunder. For his bounty, There...
Page 48 - WHAT needs my Shakespear for his honour'd bones The labour of an age in piled stones, Or that his hallow'd reliques should be hid Under a star-ypointing pyramid ? Dear son of memory, great heir of fame, What need'st thou such weak witness of thy name ? Thou in our wonder and astonishment Hast built thyself a live-long monument. For whilst to th...