(no subject)

I wonder how much of the appeal of noir objects is primed by our curiosity about our parents' possessions, in childhood. I remember finding them endlessly fascinating in proportion to how little I understood them - their history, use, significance to my parents, three related but distinct mysteries. At friends' houses I was too scared to inspect things closely, having no idea what the limits of trouble might be for transgressing or breaking. But at home you're safe, or better know how to make yourself safe, and investigate these relics of various overlapping orders beyond you: the grownup world, the past, your parents' personhood. Probably some transgression here too, or anyway danger of making dismaying realizations about sex, ageing and death, to which most adult household objects ultimately relate.

(no subject)

( Also re. Bishop: )