I suggested, further, that the following might be sculpted: a large box filled with sixty moonshine jugs - - piled high, toppling over, corks popping, liquor flowing. Disorder to match the clutter and chaos of our marvelous language. Words upon words, piled high, toppling over, thoughts popping, correspondence and conversation overflowing.
This vivid metaphor captures the chaotic beauty of language as something both intoxicating and overflowing. The imagery of moonshine jugs filled to the brim, toppling over with corks popping and liquor flowing, mirrors the overflowing nature of our use of words and ideas. Language here isn't merely a tool for communication; it’s a vibrant, living entity, full of disorder yet fascinatingly intricate—much like the unpredictable overflow of thoughts and conversations in our minds and social exchanges.
The choice of "moonshine jugs" especially evokes the idea of something both homemade and potent, an underground spirit brewing within, paralleling how language can be raw, unrefined, and deeply compelling. Language's chaotic aspects—words piled high, toppling over—suggest that communication isn't always neat and orderly but filled with surprises and the energy of spontaneity. This aligns strongly with how language evolves and adapts, embracing new expressions and ideas that sometimes overflow established systems.
The passage also celebrates the complexity and richness of language as "marvelous," acknowledging its role beyond mere functionality, highlighting its artistry and emotional potency. The overflow of correspondence and conversation suggests abundance and connection; though disordered, it’s a positive affirmation of human interaction, creativity, and the endless flow of ideas. From this reflection, one can appreciate not only the structural but also the experiential aspects of language: vibrant, disorderly, and full of life.
Overall, the metaphor encourages embracing the imperfect, overflowing nature of how we communicate—finding beauty in linguistic chaos and the endless exchange of human thought.