A-voiding representation:Eräugnisand inscription in Celan

Abstract

This essay deals with the poetry of Paul Celan, particularly focusing on the event of appearing of the negative as that which a-voids representation. The key term here is “Eräugnis,” a term with important resonances between Celan’s poetry and the thought of Alain Badiou, whose evental philosophy centers on the void. Another immediate point of reference is Martin Heidegger, whose thought and language permeates Celan’s work, and it is likely from Heidegger that Celan takes his impetus in thinking through the problem of representing the void. In readings of poems like “Heute und Morgen,” “Welchen der Steine du hebst,” and “Mandorla,” I argue that Celan is grappling with the appearing of the negative in its function as foundational figure for representation. Celan tropes the negative in his poetry, and this essay explores the theoretical and philosophical implications of this negative visuality.