The word written originates from the spoken word, and seeks to represent it. Writing then takes on a kind of tragic aura, since it points to the often unrequited desire for direct and unmediated encounter with being and meaning. This, argues Derrida, is evidence of a "metaphysics of presence" - a term Heidegger coined as a way of describing the view to which he was opposed, namely, that there is an anchor point in the authorial source of the words on the page. In fact, this anchor point in authorial intent proves more elusive than we think. We cannot escape the need for interpretation, even as we stand in the presence a speaker we know well. There is no unmediated language; you cannot avoid context, which in turn of course requires its own interpretation.

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