Wittgenstein's Ladder: Poetic Language and the Strangeness of the Ordinary : Book Review

Marjorie Perloff's book "Wittgenstein's Ladder: Poetic Language and the Strangeness of the Ordinary" examines the intricate relationship between language, poetry, and philosophy through the lens of Ludwig Wittgenstein's work. In this thought-provoking exploration, Perloff thoroughly investigates Wittgenstein's philosophical ideas, with a particular focus on his concept of language as a form of life. By delving into these ideas, Perloff reveals their implications for the use of language in poetry and the understanding of everyday language.

Perloff argues that poetry, much like Wittgenstein's language games, operates within its own set of rules and conventions. Poetry captures the peculiarities of ordinary language and human experience by emphasizing the importance of the ordinary. The author discusses the notion of "strangeness" in ordinary language, suggesting that by highlighting its inherent uniqueness and idiosyncrasies, poets can gain a deeper understanding of the world. Throughout the book, Perloff presents various examples from modern and contemporary poetry to illustrate how poets challenge conventional meanings and forge new possibilities for interpretation.

In addition to investigating the relationship between poetry and language, Perloff explores the interplay between philosophy and poetry. She posits that these disciplines share a common goal of pushing the boundaries of language. By drawing from the works of both poets and philosophers, Perloff elucidates how philosophy and poetry aim to illuminate the limits of language and the complexities of human expression.

Ultimately, "Wittgenstein's Ladder" offers a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between philosophy, poetry, and language. Perloff's meticulous examination and insightful commentary shed light on Wittgenstein's ideas and their relevance to the aesthetics of poetic language. This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, as it explores the multifaceted connections between philosophy and poetry. Through her engaging exploration, Perloff invites readers to ponder the profound implications of language and its relationship to poetry and philosophy.

"Wittgenstein's Ladder: Poetic Language and the Strangeness of the Ordinary" by Marjorie Perloff has garnered diverse opinions from readers. Some readers found the book to be a stimulating exploration of language, while others found it excessively intricate and inaccessible.

Numerous reviewers praised Perloff for her insightful analysis of Wittgenstein's philosophy and its implications for poetry. They admired her ability to delve into complex ideas and make them more understandable for readers. Some found the book to be a captivating journey into the nuances of language and its connection to meaning and perception.

However, there were also readers who found the book dense and challenging to follow. They felt that Perloff's writing style was too academic, filled with jargon, and made it difficult to grasp the concepts she was discussing. Some reviewers mentioned struggling to fully engage with the text and felt that it required a high level of prior knowledge in philosophy and linguistics.

Additionally, some readers criticized Perloff for her lack of clarity and organization in presenting her arguments. They found the book to be disjointed and fragmented, lacking fully developed and connected ideas. This made it challenging to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

On the other hand, many readers appreciated Perloff's insights into contemporary poetry and its relationship with language. They found her analysis of various poets and their works to be intriguing and enlightening. Some reviewers commended her ability to draw connections between different artistic disciplines and explore the intersection of poetry with other forms of expression.

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