When a person achieves a level of mastery in their craft that allows them to convey profound ideas with simplicity and clarity, they have created silence. This means that the words used resonate so deeply with the reader or listener that there is no need for further elaboration or explanation; the message has been communicated fully.
Beyond its surface meaning, this quote suggests a broader aspiration among writers to transcend conventional boundaries of expression and achieve a level of communication where their work speaks on multiple levels. The creation of silence isn’t about leaving gaps but rather creating an environment where each word carries such weight that it evokes deep contemplation in the audience. This kind of writing does justice to both the writer's vision and the reader’s experience, allowing for a profound connection between creator and consumer.
Peter Handke is an Austrian novelist and playwright renowned for his experimental style and philosophical depth. His work often explores themes of perception and language, making him uniquely qualified to comment on the power and limitations of written communication. Through his extensive body of work, he has demonstrated how effective writing can indeed create silence by engaging readers deeply and inviting them into a world beyond the words themselves.
