Reading Empson: The Structure of Complex Words

Abstract:The difficulties of reading William Empson’s prose are almost universally acknowledged, but the explanations, defenses, or excuses for his wilfulness vary greatly. This essay argues that Empson’s title words “types” and especially “structure” have often misled readers. By scrutinizing key terms in his vocabulary (including structure, bundle, puzzle, and process), the essay concludes that complexity is his goal, rather than, say, pastoral ease. The aim of his writing, throughout his career, is an understanding of the pressures of life in a multi-voiced, democratic society.