My first blog entry ever

This entry is kind of a test-run, because I am new to "blogging" and I'm figuring out the ropes. I hope you enjoy my reflections and comments, and feel free to comment on my posts as well!

Well, to start off my new blog series, one aspect of the readings that I found most intriguing was Austin's discussion of "infelicity" and nonsense statements in "Performative Utterances." A great example of this concept is to say, "I promise that I shall be there, but I haven't the least intention of being there" (235). This sentence reminded me of a poem I used to know (I couldn't remember the whole thing, so I searched it on Google and here is the version I found):

One bright day in the middle of the night
Two dead men stood up to fight
Back to back they faced each other
Drew their swords and shot each other
A blind man there to see fair play
And two big dummies to shout hurray
A legless donkey passing by
Kicked the blind man in the eye
A deaf policeman heard the noise
And came and arrested the two dead boys

I thought this poem was another good (and humorous) example of infelicity. The poem flows well and otherwise follows a storyline, but each individual line does not make sense! I have always found such outrageous/nonsense statements and stories interesting, so it was great to read Austin's discussion on infelicitous statements.

"The cat is on the mat and I don't believe it is,"

Stephanie