The new shorter Oxford English dictionary’s first definition of ‘violent’ as a transitive verb is ‘strain the meaning of (a text)’. This word is not in currency and ‘violate’ performs the transitive function, although it does not have a definition that specifically refers to actions against texts. That we can be violent against texts is significant for understanding critical and creative judgment in literary practice. The relevance of violence for literature involves more than portrayals of violent acts. It also involves the violation of tacit contracts of writing and interpretation.
Sacha Gibbons
Dr Sacha Gibbons holds degrees from the University of New South Wales and the University of Queensland. He teaches in Southern Cross University’s Writing Program and Ball State University’s Australia Centre. His doctoral thesis was awarded a place on the Dean’s Commendation List for Outstanding PhDs (UQ). Currently, he is writing new essays and revising a novel that was shortlisted for the Varuna Publisher Fellowships.
