Conversation has exploded after the inspirational Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize in Literature “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.” The star neglected to respond to or even acknowledge the existence of his nomination for two solid weeks. During this time of silence, rumors circulated that perhaps he would decline the honor, and harsh words were spoken in his direction, calling his silence “impolite and arrogant.” However, after much bated breath, the singer-songwriter finally responded to his nomination with thankfulness and humility.
However, as thankful as he might be, when asked if he would be attending the ceremony he responded by saying, “Absolutely. If it’s at all possible.” Many are confused as to why Dylan would be so wishy-washy in his response to such a great honor. Indeed, he is the first singer to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. If Dylan does attend the ceremony, as he has now said he will, he will have the chance to speak or perform in recognition of his award. It would appear that the singer meant no disrespect by his silence, remarking, “I appreciate the honor so much. The news about the Nobel Prize left me speechless.”
Dylan’s songs have inspired countless people for many years, encouraging them to follow their dreams and stand up for what they believe in. He has been called an incredible storyteller as well as an inspirational musician. When asked whether he believed his work to be of the caliber of the ancients like Homer, he responded, “I suppose so, in some way. Some [of my own] songs–“Blind Willie,” “The Ballad of Hollis Brown,” “Joey,” “A Hard Rain,” “Hurricane” and some others–definitely are Homeric in value.” His emphasis on storytelling as a means of art and persuasion is quite remarkable.
Though the artist might appear to be lackadaisical at certain clerical tasks, it is obvious that he has poured himself into his art. When asked about his work ethic, he responded, “Everything worth doing takes time. You have to write a hundred bad songs before you write one good one. And you have to sacrifice a lot of things that you might not be prepared for. Like it or not, you are in this alone and have to follow your own star.” Though the solipsism implied in his response could be cause for concern, it is clear that the star has revolutionized the singer-songwriting genre, encouraging people of every nation and every race and every background to find something they love and pursue it with abandon. It is with love that we must pursue our dreams, always keeping at the forefront of our minds that our lives are to be lived serving other human persons. This sentiment is surely expressed in Dylan’s words regarding poetry. We are reminded that every word we write and every word we read is by a person and for a person.
“She opened up a book of poems and handed it to me, written by an Italian poet from the 13th century, and every one of them words rang true and glowed like burning coal pouring off of every page like it was written in my soul from me to you.” May we never forget this.
Sources: The Guardian, The National, ranker.com