The Power of Parabolic Reversal: The Example in Simone Weil’s Notebooks
Publication Type |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication |
1996 |
Author |
|
Journal |
Cahiers Simone Weil |
Volume |
19 |
Number |
3 |
Pages |
313-24 |
Language |
English |
Keywords |
|
Annotation |
This essay examines Weil’s use of examples in her writing, comparing and contrasting them to their use in Aristotle and in the Christian Gospel. Ultimately Evans argues, the way examples operate in Weil’s thought are closer to the parables of the New Testament than they are to Greek rhetoric. Evans also pays attention to the use of historical examples noting how Weil’s use of them confronts or challenges the dominant historical narrative as opposed to supporting and maintaining it. Evans also comments on the importance of familiarity with Weil’s concept of ‘reading’ in the understanding of her use of example. |