Been reading a lot of Nathaniel Mackey and Leslie Scalapino lately. In _How Phenomena Appear to Unfold_ Scalapino writes,
"The writing is a mode, not a system."
So mode versus system.
When I think system, I think systematic reasoning (and the postmodern critique of such).
When I think mode, I think frame.
But I am wondering about form as a system versus form as a mode.
As in: lyric mode versus lyric system.
How does a lyric system differ from a lyric mode?
Mode as in movement; system as in static?
System as hypotactic; mode as paratactic?
Mode \Mode\, n. [L. modus a measure, due or proper measure,
bound, manner, form; akin to E. mete: cf. F. mode. See
Mete, and cf. Commodious, Mood in grammar, Modus.]
1. Manner of doing or being; method; form; fashion; custom;
way; style; as, the mode of speaking; the mode of
dressing.
System \Sys"tem\, n. [L. systema, Gr. ?, fr. ? to place
together; sy`n with + ? to place: cf. F. syst[`e]me. See
Stand.]
1. An assemblage of objects arranged in regular
subordination, or after some distinct method, usually
logical or scientific; a complete whole of objects related
by some common law, principle, or end; a complete
exhibition of essential principles or facts, arranged in a
rational dependence or connection; a regular union of
principles or parts forming one entire thing; as, a system
of philosophy; a system of government; a system of
divinity; a system of botany or chemistry; a military
system; the solar system.
So a system is larger than a mode. A mode is a way; a system is a totalizing structure?
poetry as a mode of thinking; poetry as a canon/system?
I realize this is fast and loose.
I am also wondering about an event. As in: language event. Or: I drove to the store.
If all events are not linguistic, then how can we distinguish a linguistic from a non-linguistic event?
Body (olympic event) mind (exam at 8AM)
In the event of inclement weather, the theme park will close!
What is the mode of an event?
What is the system of an event?