Stevie Smith and the Aphorism

This volume argues that aphorism represents a tool for the social management of emotion. Rhetorically corralled into a slick, collectable shape, the aphorism promises arresting and instantaneous epiphany. However, the accomplished elegance which positions the aphorism''s message as self-evidently true in fact works to repel further enquiry, and ultimately ensures that it will be forgotten or bypas...