Religion in literature is as old as writing itself. Since people began to write, they have used the medium to express, define, and share their beliefs. In history, religion was more documentary and informational than what it is today. Actual religious texts were valued highly both in their time, as well as today. Such works include the Bible, Qur’an, various scrolls, the Book of Mormon, among other various examples. Other types of literature are meant to compliment these aforesaid texts. The most popular type of religious literature today is vaguely seen as such- rather they are fictitious works that illustrate types, or allusions to religion.
Writing about religion has transformed over the years. For example, one of the most famous ‘religious’ texts in history is Dante’s Inferno. In this writing, Dante is specific about various saints, sinners, and religious historical caricatures. Although a fictitious story itself, it is very clear as to the journey the character takes, in how it is a religious experience, and relates to each of the various points in the religious beliefs and teachings. It is graphic in its depictions of the Christian beliefs of hell, and what sinners would experience:
"they had their faces twisted toward their haunches/ and found it necessary to walk backward,/ because they could not see ahead of them./ …and since he wanted so to see ahead,/ he looks behind and walks a backward path.”
More recently, however, religious beliefs in text are being expressed in a more round-about way. Using allegory, archetypes, and allusions, authors are being more careful about how they write religion. Perhaps this is because of fear of scrutiny, backlash, or opposing theories (such as Brown’s novel DaVinci Code). An example of this style of writing is Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. story, Scrooge is shown the consequences of living a selfish, and unfruitful life- and the consequences thereof. Although the spirits themselves may not represent specific saints, or deities, the idea behind the novel is certainly religious in nature(albeit not a specific religion), in that it teaches that we are all under judgment, and must live kind and good lives. In fact, this story is used above all others during Christmas time, rather than even the story of the Nativity in popular media. So My question is:
Q: Why do you think people write today in the style of fictitious writing with allusions to religion, along with archetypes and roundabout story lines as opposed to obvious religious writing and storylines?
Sarah Wett
Your question reminded me of an experience I had when I was about 11. I remember studying the New Testament and hating it because every lesson was taught in parables. My logic was that if Jesus wanted me to learn something, he should have just said it straight up... not by using "round about story lines" and "archetypes". (at least that is how I saw parables)
ReplyDeleteAfter one particularly difficult Sunday School lesson, my mother told me that some people learn best through stories they can identify with so Jesus used parables. The same reasoning applies to your question. I think many writers like the idea of being able to tap into the religious part of people's emotions. People love to be able to read something and find their own personal/religious meaning in it, and authors like to have people understand their feelings/beliefs.
I think it is interesting that even the Savior taught in parables, using symbols and "round about teaching." By not being specific and direct, people are free to interpret the story at a level that is meaningful to them. Like you said, when authors do not blatantly write about a specific religion, they avoid some backlash and readers are more comfortable with the message.
ReplyDeleteTo tell the truth, I think that writers in our church would do well to use this approach so that our literature may reach a non-LDS audience, while still promoting our ideals. I think this would be an effective missionary tool.
The reason some religions are watered down is that they then can capture a broader audience. By generalizing religious themes, people from all walks of life than can relate the themes to themselves. while be specific makes the audience have to view the story through a window, with their own bias and pre conceived notions of that particular faith. keeping it open lets you create the story in the eyes of the reader better.
ReplyDeleteI think that because of not wanting to truly offend one's religion, authors have opted to choose the watered down road. I also want to repeat what Raimo emphasized on creating a wider audience. If they can keep the elusiveness on the religion without revealing so much, or being so single minded on a particular religion that it closes off others. I agree that everyone can relate if it is a sort of generalization or just enough information to give a peek into the religion that causes the reader to want to find out more on their own.
ReplyDeleteAlong with books like this appealing to broader audiences and thus selling more books (which is what most publishers and writers want when they compose a book), I think it also may be that it is difficult for people to express their religion and beliefs fully to such a wide audience. We talked about this a little bit when we discussed music and how it has kind of been "watered down" over the years as well. Maybe it is just our society these days where we don't want to offend anyone or have anyone else look at us differently. Having someone attack your religion and beliefs is something that is difficult to take.
ReplyDeleteMaybe there are more really religious books out there as well. They probably just aren't as popular because they do not attract such a big audience. I know many Mormon books that go deep into doctrine but that are only really sold at Deseret Book. But then you look at a book like Twilight that many say has religious undertones but appeals to a much wider audience and therefore is more popular.
I think that authors are using books just like any other form of media. I work for Deseret Book and I think there are a very large amount of books both in the Mormon religion and other religions that are blatantly talking about religion; however, I do agree that there are many who are going about religion in a more round about way. I think this is simply because because those authors feel it is the best way to give a certain message to their audiences. By telling a religious story in an allegory or another way, it is easier for the reader to understand what is going on and to interpret religion in the way they feel most comfortable. It is almost a way of bearing different faiths to reach a greater audience.
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