Essays Toward a Symbolic of Motives, 1950-1955

Set against the backdrop of 1959, the correspondence between William Rueckert and Kenneth Burke reveals their shared anxiety over the long-awaited publication of Burke's "A Symbolic of Motives." Rueckert's eagerness to incorporate Burke's work into his own book leads to a deep exploration of the Symbolic's content and structure. Their exchanges highlight the complexities and challenges of literary collaboration, ultimately placing the responsibility of organizing the ideas on Rueckert, showcasing both the tension and camaraderie in their relationship.