The Nature of Narrative in Simone Weil’s Vision of History: The Need for New Historical Roots
Publication Type |
Book Chapter |
Year of Publication |
1996 |
Author |
|
Editor |
Dunaway, John M. Springsted, Eric O. |
Book |
The Beauty That Saves: Essays on Aesthetics and Language in Simone Weil |
Pages |
55-68 |
Publisher |
Mercer University Press |
Place Published |
Macon, Georgia |
Language |
English |
Keywords |
|
Annotation |
Evans seeks here to place “Weil’s analysis of her age’s dominant narrative … within the contemporary discussion of “modernity” and post-Enlightenment epistemology” (p. 57). She begins by identifying some of the characteristics and ‘narrative underpinnings’ of post-Enlightenment epistemology before turning to what she sees as Weil’s systematic dismantling of the ‘master narrative’ of European history. Here she considers Weil’s engagement with Marxism noting where she agreed and disagreed with its tenets, especially with its narrative of progress. Evans then looks in more detail at Weil’s narrative drawing on her work in “A Medieval Epic Poem”, “The Romanesque Renaissance” and The Need for Roots contrasting it to France’s official “sacred history”. Ultimately, Evans says, Weil is not successful at creating an alternate narrative, however she offers important ‘alternate facts’ and perspectives. |
Notes |
Previously published in Cahiers Simone Weil 17.1 (1994):55-70 . Significant content is available through - Google Books |