The Redemption of Tragedy: The Literary Vision of Simone Weil (Suny Series, Simone Weil Studies) - Softcover

Brueck, Katherine T.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0791422828 ISBN 13: 9780791422823

Publisher: State University of New York Press, 1994

Synopsis

Simone Weil's supernaturalist interpretations of tragedy challenge not only the philosophical skepticism but also the religious rationalism characteristic of the modern age.

This book boldly points out a supernaturalist alternative to contemporary, post-structuralist literary theory. This study of classical tragic drama offers a sacralizing impetus to secular discussions of literature. The book's Platonic premises and its grounding in the transcendental outlook of the religious traditions furnish a sacred illumination. Religious mystery and the cross of Christ both overshadow and deepen philosophical approaches to literary criticism, including theories of tragedy.

Simone Weil's conception of tragic art, rooted in a mystical Christian metaphysics, offers original insight into the nature of tragedy. In contradiction of the prevailing secular outlook, Weil regards classical tragedy as a sacred art form. Tragic masterpieces evoke not the chaotic or irrational, as modernist interpreters hold, but rather a good which is absolute

About this title

About the Author

Katherine T. Brueck is Associate Professor of English, Mount St. Mary's College. She has published articles in a variety of humanistic disciplines.

From the Back Cover

This book boldly points our a supernaturalist alternative to contemporary, post-structuralist literary theory. This study of classical tragic drama offers a sacralizing impetus to secular discussions of literature.

Edition details

• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0791422828
• ISBN 13: 9780791422823
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 185