aflalimo

@gadget I would have to study his work and the literary criticism thereof more deeply to accurately posit what Vidal meant with these words. I offer my own interpretations. First, this quote accurately captures the difficulty and frustration experienced by most, if not all, writers when they are working their craft. Wanting to say something, actually saying something and saying something close to what you originally intended upon saying are just starters. Second, it is better to write something than to write nothing at all. You may very well want to die in the course of the attempt but leave the end result in words: a suicide note. Also, he could be maligning his arch nemesis, William Buckley Jr, equating his best works with suicide notes and encouraging him to commit artistic suicide and end it once and for all. He’s also being facetious and witty in the darkest way, poking cold hard fun at suicide and suicide notes. Those are my thoughts on the quote. There’s a great documentary about Vidal and Buckley, both very witty and skilled with words, that Netflix aired awhile back. I forget the name presently but you are very resourceful and can find it with no trouble. I’m here if you want me to hunt it down, too. I’m sorry you were in such a dark place, my friend, and so very glad you didn’t do it. ❤️❤️❤️