Subject: Re: Deeper meaning of TP-NOT!
From: rhaller@oregon.uoregon.edu
Date: 1991-04-21, 11:31
Newsgroups: alt.tv.twin-peaks

In article <41575@netnews.upenn.edu> shiau@eniac.seas.upenn.edu (Mr. Liquid
Cheeze) writes:
> >In article <1991Apr18.012204.227@mac.cc.macalstr.edu> sdbeck@macalstr.edu
writes:
> >=>I just thought I'd put in my own theory on Twin Peaks and symbolism, etc.
> >=>
> >=>IT DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING!!! And if it does, it's not intentional!!!
> >=>
[deletions]
=>In any case, my point is: symbolism on twin peaks doesn't really mean
> >=>anything!  I firmly believe that the "deeper meaning" of at least half
> >=>of the mysterious stuff on the show is just there for fun, and to get people
> >=>like us to have fun speculating. (maybe I shouldn't include myself in that).
> >=>
[deletions]
> >
> >Although Lynch and company may not conciously decide to put symbols into the
> >show the simple fact of the matter is that they are indeed there.  Why?  We
> >really don't know.  Through interpretation we can take a little peek into the
> >psyche of Lynch and company.
> >
[deletions]

> >           University of Pennsylvania --- shiau@eniac.seas.upenn.edu

Some of the symbolism is clearly planned.  Weren't you sure that BOB was going
to appear at the end of the last episode? I was.  Aren't you convinced that the
shaking arms early are related to BOB's arm appearing first? I am.

I think more of it is real, but not planned.  Lynch appears to be an artist who
prefers to let stuff just 'come out' of him and not try to intellectualize
about it. In fact, he probably is more concerned about 'getting in the way' of
his creative process.  Contrast this with someone like James Joyce where I
would bet that a tremendous amount of crafting went into creating the multiple
layers of symbolism in something like Ullyses. It did not, like Athena, spring
fully grown from his brow.  My guess is that Lynch writes much more in a true
free association mode and does some tinkering with what comes out, but is
probably just as surprised and amused as we are sometimes.

Finally, I think a lot of it is like tea leaves or rorshach ink blots.  It
tells us as much about our own minds as it does about what is going on it L&F
and companies minds.  However, don't forget that their 'style' or whatever you
want to call it, creates the conditions for this to happen. Ever have something
like the TP experience while watching Cheers or any other TV series?

What makes TP unique is that it inspires people to THINK and be creative, not
just passive.

-Rich Haller