Gravity and Grace: Seamus Heaney and the Force of Light
Publication Type |
Book |
Year of Publication |
2009 |
Author |
|
Series Title |
Studies in Christianity and Literature |
Series Volume |
2 |
Publisher |
Baylor University Press |
Place Published |
Waco, Texas |
Language |
English |
section |
135 |
Keywords |
art |
Annotation |
There is fairly extensive discussion of Weil and her thought in this volume. In the introduction to the work, Desmond argues that Heaney's situation is illuminated by "seeing it through the intellectual perspectives" offered by Weil as well as the poet Czeslaw Milosz, arguing Weil influenced Milosz, who in turn influenced Heaney. (p. 5). Desmond begins the book with a lengthy chapter on Weil, focusing on a number of central concepts in her work including her views on science, the situation of western society, her notions of gravity and grace, mexatu or intermediaries and finally, her views of the Christian belief in the incarnation, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. He makes some effort to minimize what many scholars see as heterodox elements in Weil's understanding of Christianity. In the second and third chapters, Desmond focuses a little more directly on Weil's influence on Heaney, on his philosophical, aesthetic and religious thought and ultimately on his poetry and other literary work. |