Self-transformation through (Dis )illusion in Tom Robbins's Skinny Legs and All

Abstract

The self-transformation necessary for reconfiguring a new humanity involves developing a complex relative autonomy, engendered by a thoroughgoing critique of the existing "veils of illusion" that have brought us to the brink of global disaster. While there is ample philosophical resource material to support this argument, purely philosophical texts are notoriously difficult to read and tend to circulate within a limited field of initiates. Good literary works, by contrast, have the engaging power of narrative that philosophical texts lack, and for this reason, when approached critically, provide a better vehicle for the wider dissemination of philosophical ideas. My overt aim in this article is to show, through analysis and amplification, that the underlying philosophical purpose of Tom Robbins's novel Skinny Legs and All (1990) is to present precisely the above-mentioned argument concerning self-transformation. My ulterior motive here is obedience to the philosopher's imperative to antagonise (sting) humans into critical self-knowledge.

Opsomming
Die self-herskepping wat nodig is om 'n nuwe soort menswees tot stand te bring, behels die ontwikkeling van 'n komplekse relatiewe outonomie wat voortkom uit 'n deurtastende kritiek op die bestaande "sluiers van illusie" wat ons tot op die rand van globale rampspoed gevoer het. T erwyl daar voldoende filosofiese bronnemateriaal bestaan om hierdie argument te ondersteun, is suiwer filosofiese tekste bekend vir hut moeilikheidsgraad en sirkuleer hulle gewoonlik binne 'n beperkte kring van inge­wydes. Goeie literere werke, daarenteen, boei vanwee die verhalende element wat in filosofiese tekste ontbreek. Gevolglik stel die kritiese benadering van literere tekste dus 'n meer toepaslike kanaal vir die verspreiding van filosofiese idees beskikbaar. In hierdie artikel wil ek met behulp van analise en uitbreiding aantoon dat Tom Robbins deur die onderliggende filosofiese doelstelling van sy roman Skinny Legs and All (1990) die genoemde argument oor die self-herskepping na vore bring. Die bedoeling is om op hierdie wyse gehoor te gee aan die filosoof se taak om mense te antagoniseer ("steek") sodat hulle tot kritiese selfkennis kan kom.