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- Title
An Original Relation to the Universe.
- Authors
Rauch, Eric S.
- Abstract
This text is interdisciplinary in nature, though the main focus is on literary criticism, psychology, and philosophy. Essentially, it views people in live experience and characters in fiction as works of art that elicit the empathy and humanity of the viewer and the other characters, respectively. The main focal point is on Herman Melville's short story, "Bartleby, the Scrivener," in which the eponymous character is considered to be a work of art that elicits the compassion of the lawyer-narrator. Just as individuals in live experience become representative of world and societal movements, so do characters in fiction become metaphors and works of art that elicit the interpretation and the empathy of the other characters. Also discussed is the notion of synchronicity by which we can view our lives as texts and the universe as a grand text. Also considered is the plight of those with mental illness and how we can help heal the mentally ill through story. The ultimate nature of this text is the search for a better world through the power of art.
- Subjects
LITERARY criticism; MELVILLE, Herman, 1819-1891; BARTLEBY, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street (Short story : Melville); METAPHOR; COINCIDENCE in literature
- Publication
Teaching American Literature, 2013, Vol 6, Issue 1, p73
- ISSN
2150-3974
- Publication type
Article