how to read and why
I 'How To Read and Why'. Litteratur kritikern Harold Bloom beskriver en kortfattad teori om värdet av litteratur - och sedan diskuterar ett nummer av böcker, dikter och 'plays' som skänker några av de mest utomordentliga nöjen läsande kan erbjuda. Bloom vänder sig till den 'solitary' läsaren; information är ändlöst tillgänglig för oss; var ska visdom hittas? Det kan föröka individualitet och självkunskap med livslång läsning med oerhörd mångfald. Den stärkande kraften av litteratur.
Bloom karaktäriserar läsande av stor litteratur som oerhört uppfyllande och terapeutisk handling av 'healing': 'Imaginative literature is otherness and as such alleviates loneliness'
Bloom vill uppvakna en typ av religiös uppmärksamhet av litteraturens förmåga att 'enlarge the spirit'.
Läs mycket helt enkelt! LIFE AND LITERATURE!
Hur Läsa Och Varför - Harald Blooms bok nu översätt till svenska!
I en tid när alla kan informera sig om vad som helst, men allt färre förmår koncentrera sig, framstår den lyckade läsningen av en riktig bok som en frälsning från världsplågan stress. För den legendariske amerikanske litteraturkritikern Harold Bloom är läsning ett sätt att finna harmoni men också mer än så. Snarare än information erbjuder den stora litteraturen vishet.
--
'How to Read and Why' becomes a journey of deep understanding and connection. Agateway to understanding the multifaceted nature of the human soul across different eras and cultures. Reading, therefore, becomes not just an act of intellectual consumption, but a meaningful dialogue with the myriad voices that echo through the annals of world literature.
HOW TO READ AND WHY TEXTS:
In the labyrinth of modern literature, the portrayal of the soul transcends mere character development or plot advancement. It becomes an exploration of existential depths, a mirror reflecting the complex interplay of identity, consciousness, and the human condition. This article delves into the holistic representation of the soul in 20th and 21st-century literature, examining how contemporary authors have woven this intangible essence into their narratives, influenced by psychological theories and existential philosophies.
The concept of the soul has evolved significantly in literary expressions. In earlier centuries, it was often depicted in religious or moral terms, as seen in Dante's "Divine Comedy" or Milton's "Paradise Lost". However, as society moved into the modern era, with its multitude of psychological and existential complexities, literature began to reflect a more nuanced understanding of the soul.
Authors like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce pioneered the use of stream-of-consciousness, a narrative technique that delves into the innermost thoughts and feelings of characters. In works like "Mrs. Dalloway" and "Ulysses", the soul is not a static, defined entity but a fluid, evolving stream of consciousness, reflecting the complexities of individual identity and the human psyche.
Haruki Murakami, in his surreal narratives, portrays the soul as a space of existential search and metaphysical questioning. His characters often embark on introspective journeys, navigating the landscapes of dream and reality, illustrating the soul’s quest for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.
Toni Morrison’s works offer a profound exploration of the African American experience, delving into the collective soul of a community shaped by history, culture, and memory. In "Beloved", the soul is not just an individual essence but a tapestry woven from collective experiences, ancestral memories, and the ongoing struggle for identity and liberation.
Similarly, in Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude", the soul of the characters is inextricably linked to their cultural and historical context. The magical realism of Marquez’s narrative blurs the lines between the tangible and the spiritual, reflecting the soul’s journey through generations, encompassed by the mythical and the real.
The advent of the digital age has brought new dimensions to the narrative of the soul in literature. Writers like Dave Eggers and Jennifer Egan explore how technology influences the soul's expression and perception. In "The Circle" and "A Visit from the Goon Squad", the soul is depicted grappling with the digital era's challenges, from the erosion of privacy to the quest for authenticity in a hyper-connected world.
The narrative of the soul in modern literature is a journey beyond words, a venture into the uncharted territories of human consciousness. It reflects our ongoing quest to understand our place in the universe, to grapple with the existential questions that define our existence. As literature continues to evolve, so too will its portrayal of the soul, ever mirroring the complexities and mysteries of the human experience.
--
Soulful Symphonies: Tracing the Holistic Soul in World Literature
The concept of the soul, an enduring and enigmatic element of human consciousness, has been a focal point in literature across various cultures and eras. This article embarks on a cross-cultural journey to explore how different literary traditions around the world have conceptualized and portrayed the soul, revealing the universal yet uniquely contextual nature of this profound aspect of human existence.
In Eastern literature, the soul is often intertwined with philosophical and spiritual concepts. The Indian epic, "Bhagavad Gita," for instance, delves deep into the nature of the soul or ‘Atman’. It portrays the soul as eternal and immutable, transcending the physical realm. This perspective is mirrored in the works of Chinese philosophers like Laozi and Zhuangzi, where the soul is seen as part of the universal ‘Dao’, an integral component of existence that aligns with nature and harmony.
African oral traditions and Indigenous storytelling across the globe offer a unique perspective on the soul. In these cultures, the soul is not just an individual entity but a part of a larger communal and ancestral spirit. Stories passed down through generations in African tribes, or the Dreamtime narratives of Australian Aboriginals, present the soul as a bridge connecting the living with their ancestors, nature, and the spiritual world.
Sufi literature, particularly in the works of poets like Rumi and Hafez, offers a mystical interpretation of the soul. In these writings, the soul is a traveler on a spiritual journey, seeking union with the divine. The concept of the soul in Sufism transcends religious dogma, emphasizing personal spiritual experience and the idea of the soul's longing for return to its origin.
Western literature, with its diverse influences, presents a myriad of perspectives on the soul. In the Greek tragedies, the soul is often a battleground of moral and ethical dilemmas. Moving forward to the Renaissance, the soul in Shakespeare’s plays becomes a reflection of human complexity and emotional depth. The Romantic poets, like Wordsworth and Shelley, then explore the soul’s connection with nature and the sublime.
In Latin American literature, particularly in Magical Realism, the soul is depicted in a way that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural. Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Isabel Allende, among others, weave narratives where the soul is an active, almost tangible element of everyday life, reflecting a deep connection with cultural and spiritual traditions.
The exploration of the soul in world literature reveals a fascinating tapestry of beliefs, philosophies, and narratives. From the philosophical depths of Eastern texts to the mystical musings of Sufi poets, the communal bonds in African and Indigenous stories, and the introspective explorations of Western literature, the soul's portrayal is as diverse as it is universal. These literary traditions, each echoing the soul's nuances in their unique way, provide a profound insight into the human quest for understanding the essence of our being and our place in the larger tapestry of existence.
Walt Whitman’s *Leaves of Grass*: A Celebration of Spiritual Unity and Vitality
Walt Whitman’s *Leaves of Grass* stands in stark contrast to works like T.S. Eliot’s *The Waste Land* when it comes to its portrayal of spirituality. While Eliot’s poem is a meditation on fragmentation, despair, and the quest for renewal in a broken, spiritually barren world, *Leaves of Grass* radiates a boundless celebration of life, unity, and the inherent sacredness of existence. Whitman’s expansive vision is deeply rooted in a sense of optimism and transcendence, offering a spiritual experience that affirms the interconnectedness of all things.
Published in 1855, *Leaves of Grass* was groundbreaking in its embrace of the individual as a microcosm of the universe. Whitman’s poetry exudes a pantheistic spirituality, where the divine is present in the everyday—nature, the body, and the human soul are all manifestations of a larger spiritual whole. In poems like “Song of Myself,” Whitman celebrates the self not in isolation, but as part of an interconnected web of humanity and the cosmos. His lines flow with vitality and acceptance, blending the sacred and the sensual, where every experience, no matter how mundane, is imbued with spiritual significance.
Unlike *The Waste Land*, which reflects the fractured spirit of modernity and the search for meaning in a spiritually desolate world, *Leaves of Grass* confidently asserts that divinity can be found everywhere and within everyone. Whitman writes with an all-encompassing embrace of life, celebrating the physical and spiritual in equal measure. For Whitman, the human body, nature, and the universe are all sacred, and every moment is an opportunity for spiritual communion.
Whitman’s spirituality is also democratic in nature, extending beyond the individual to the collective human experience. In *Leaves of Grass*, he sees every person, regardless of class, race, or gender, as part of a greater whole. This universalism is reflected in his celebration of America, not just as a political entity but as a spiritual landscape where all people contribute to the collective soul. Whitman’s vision of unity stands in contrast to the spiritual isolation and fragmentation depicted in *The Waste Land*.
In conclusion, *Leaves of Grass* offers a spirituality rooted in vitality, connection, and the inherent sacredness of existence. Whitman’s poetry reflects an exuberant embrace of life and the cosmos, celebrating the self as an extension of the divine, while *The Waste Land* grapples with the loss of meaning and the struggle for spiritual renewal in a fractured world. Whitman’s work is a testament to the power of optimism, unity, and the belief that the divine is present in all aspects of life.
Nature as a Pathway to the Divine
Nature plays a crucial role in Leaves of Grass, serving as a conduit for Whitman’s spiritual reflections. The natural world is not merely a backdrop for his poems but a living, breathing entity that embodies the divine. Whitman’s reverence for nature aligns with the transcendentalist idea that the natural world is a reflection of the divine soul, and that by communing with nature, one can access a higher spiritual understanding.
In poems like “I Sing the Body Electric” and “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry,” Whitman contemplates the connection between the body, nature, and the soul. He blurs the boundaries between the physical and the spiritual, seeing the body as a manifestation of the divine. His poetry suggests that every leaf, blade of grass, and drop of water is imbued with spiritual significance. He writes, “A leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars,” indicating his belief that even the smallest elements of nature contain the same cosmic energy that shapes the universe.
Embracing Death as a Spiritual Journey
A prominent theme in Leaves of Grass is Whitman’s meditation on death, which he views not as an end but as a continuation of life’s spiritual journey. This perspective is especially evident in the poem “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d,” written as an elegy for Abraham Lincoln. Whitman approaches death with a sense of peace and acceptance, seeing it as a part of the natural cycle. His imagery of lilacs, the thrush, and the star symbolize the eternal process of life, death, and rebirth, suggesting a belief in the immortality of the soul.
In the closing section of “Song of Myself,” Whitman addresses death directly, writing, “I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love, / If you want me again look for me under your boot-soles.” Here, he portrays death as a return to the earth, a merging with the cosmos. This vision reflects a spiritual sense of unity, where death is not something to be feared but embraced as a transformation that brings the soul into harmony with the universe.
Poems from Leaves of Grass
Jag firar mig själv, och sjunger om mig själv,
Och vad jag antar, ska du anta,
För varje atom som tillhör mig tillhör lika mycket dig.
Jag dröjer och bjuder in min själ,
Jag lutar mig tillbaka och dröjer i lugn och ro, och betraktar ett strå av sommargräs.
--
Ett barn sa: Vad är gräset? och räckte det till mig med fulla händer;
Hur skulle jag kunna svara barnet? Jag vet inte mer vad det är än han.
Jag antar att det måste vara min sinneslags flagga, vävd av hoppfullt grönt.
Eller jag antar att det är Herrens näsduk,
En doftande gåva och en minnespåminnelse som med avsikt tappats,
Bärandes ägarens namn någonstans i hörnen, så att vi kan se och undra, och säga Vems?
Eller jag antar att gräset är ett barn självt, den frambringade avkomman av vegetationen.
Eller jag antar att det är en enhetlig hieroglyf,
Och det betyder, som spirande lika mycket i breda som i smala zoner,
Växer bland svarta som bland vita,
Kanuck, Tuckahoe, Congressman, Cuff, jag ger dem samma, jag tar emot dem samma.
--
När syrenerna sist blommade på gårdsplanen,
Och den stora stjärnan tidigt sjönk i den västra natthimlen,
Sörjde jag, och ska än sörja med varje återvändande vår.
O mäktiga, fallna stjärna i väster!
O nattens skuggor—O lynniga, tårfyllda natt!
O stora stjärna som försvann—O det svarta mörker som döljer stjärnan!
O grymma händer som håller mig maktlös—O min hjälplösa själ!
O stränga moln som omger mig, som inte vill befria min själ.
HOW TO READ AND WHY!
Bloom karaktäriserar läsande av stor litteratur som oerhört uppfyllande och terapeutisk handling av 'healing': 'Imaginative literature is otherness and as such alleviates loneliness'
Bloom vill uppvakna en typ av religiös uppmärksamhet av litteraturens förmåga att 'enlarge the spirit'.
Läs mycket helt enkelt! LIFE AND LITERATURE!
Hur Läsa Och Varför - Harald Blooms bok nu översätt till svenska!
I en tid när alla kan informera sig om vad som helst, men allt färre förmår koncentrera sig, framstår den lyckade läsningen av en riktig bok som en frälsning från världsplågan stress. För den legendariske amerikanske litteraturkritikern Harold Bloom är läsning ett sätt att finna harmoni men också mer än så. Snarare än information erbjuder den stora litteraturen vishet.
--
'How to Read and Why' becomes a journey of deep understanding and connection. Agateway to understanding the multifaceted nature of the human soul across different eras and cultures. Reading, therefore, becomes not just an act of intellectual consumption, but a meaningful dialogue with the myriad voices that echo through the annals of world literature.
HOW TO READ AND WHY TEXTS:
In the labyrinth of modern literature, the portrayal of the soul transcends mere character development or plot advancement. It becomes an exploration of existential depths, a mirror reflecting the complex interplay of identity, consciousness, and the human condition. This article delves into the holistic representation of the soul in 20th and 21st-century literature, examining how contemporary authors have woven this intangible essence into their narratives, influenced by psychological theories and existential philosophies.
The concept of the soul has evolved significantly in literary expressions. In earlier centuries, it was often depicted in religious or moral terms, as seen in Dante's "Divine Comedy" or Milton's "Paradise Lost". However, as society moved into the modern era, with its multitude of psychological and existential complexities, literature began to reflect a more nuanced understanding of the soul.
Authors like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce pioneered the use of stream-of-consciousness, a narrative technique that delves into the innermost thoughts and feelings of characters. In works like "Mrs. Dalloway" and "Ulysses", the soul is not a static, defined entity but a fluid, evolving stream of consciousness, reflecting the complexities of individual identity and the human psyche.
Haruki Murakami, in his surreal narratives, portrays the soul as a space of existential search and metaphysical questioning. His characters often embark on introspective journeys, navigating the landscapes of dream and reality, illustrating the soul’s quest for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.
Toni Morrison’s works offer a profound exploration of the African American experience, delving into the collective soul of a community shaped by history, culture, and memory. In "Beloved", the soul is not just an individual essence but a tapestry woven from collective experiences, ancestral memories, and the ongoing struggle for identity and liberation.
Similarly, in Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude", the soul of the characters is inextricably linked to their cultural and historical context. The magical realism of Marquez’s narrative blurs the lines between the tangible and the spiritual, reflecting the soul’s journey through generations, encompassed by the mythical and the real.
The advent of the digital age has brought new dimensions to the narrative of the soul in literature. Writers like Dave Eggers and Jennifer Egan explore how technology influences the soul's expression and perception. In "The Circle" and "A Visit from the Goon Squad", the soul is depicted grappling with the digital era's challenges, from the erosion of privacy to the quest for authenticity in a hyper-connected world.
The narrative of the soul in modern literature is a journey beyond words, a venture into the uncharted territories of human consciousness. It reflects our ongoing quest to understand our place in the universe, to grapple with the existential questions that define our existence. As literature continues to evolve, so too will its portrayal of the soul, ever mirroring the complexities and mysteries of the human experience.
--
Soulful Symphonies: Tracing the Holistic Soul in World Literature
The concept of the soul, an enduring and enigmatic element of human consciousness, has been a focal point in literature across various cultures and eras. This article embarks on a cross-cultural journey to explore how different literary traditions around the world have conceptualized and portrayed the soul, revealing the universal yet uniquely contextual nature of this profound aspect of human existence.
In Eastern literature, the soul is often intertwined with philosophical and spiritual concepts. The Indian epic, "Bhagavad Gita," for instance, delves deep into the nature of the soul or ‘Atman’. It portrays the soul as eternal and immutable, transcending the physical realm. This perspective is mirrored in the works of Chinese philosophers like Laozi and Zhuangzi, where the soul is seen as part of the universal ‘Dao’, an integral component of existence that aligns with nature and harmony.
African oral traditions and Indigenous storytelling across the globe offer a unique perspective on the soul. In these cultures, the soul is not just an individual entity but a part of a larger communal and ancestral spirit. Stories passed down through generations in African tribes, or the Dreamtime narratives of Australian Aboriginals, present the soul as a bridge connecting the living with their ancestors, nature, and the spiritual world.
Sufi literature, particularly in the works of poets like Rumi and Hafez, offers a mystical interpretation of the soul. In these writings, the soul is a traveler on a spiritual journey, seeking union with the divine. The concept of the soul in Sufism transcends religious dogma, emphasizing personal spiritual experience and the idea of the soul's longing for return to its origin.
Western literature, with its diverse influences, presents a myriad of perspectives on the soul. In the Greek tragedies, the soul is often a battleground of moral and ethical dilemmas. Moving forward to the Renaissance, the soul in Shakespeare’s plays becomes a reflection of human complexity and emotional depth. The Romantic poets, like Wordsworth and Shelley, then explore the soul’s connection with nature and the sublime.
In Latin American literature, particularly in Magical Realism, the soul is depicted in a way that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural. Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Isabel Allende, among others, weave narratives where the soul is an active, almost tangible element of everyday life, reflecting a deep connection with cultural and spiritual traditions.
The exploration of the soul in world literature reveals a fascinating tapestry of beliefs, philosophies, and narratives. From the philosophical depths of Eastern texts to the mystical musings of Sufi poets, the communal bonds in African and Indigenous stories, and the introspective explorations of Western literature, the soul's portrayal is as diverse as it is universal. These literary traditions, each echoing the soul's nuances in their unique way, provide a profound insight into the human quest for understanding the essence of our being and our place in the larger tapestry of existence.
Walt Whitman’s *Leaves of Grass*: A Celebration of Spiritual Unity and Vitality
Walt Whitman’s *Leaves of Grass* stands in stark contrast to works like T.S. Eliot’s *The Waste Land* when it comes to its portrayal of spirituality. While Eliot’s poem is a meditation on fragmentation, despair, and the quest for renewal in a broken, spiritually barren world, *Leaves of Grass* radiates a boundless celebration of life, unity, and the inherent sacredness of existence. Whitman’s expansive vision is deeply rooted in a sense of optimism and transcendence, offering a spiritual experience that affirms the interconnectedness of all things.
Published in 1855, *Leaves of Grass* was groundbreaking in its embrace of the individual as a microcosm of the universe. Whitman’s poetry exudes a pantheistic spirituality, where the divine is present in the everyday—nature, the body, and the human soul are all manifestations of a larger spiritual whole. In poems like “Song of Myself,” Whitman celebrates the self not in isolation, but as part of an interconnected web of humanity and the cosmos. His lines flow with vitality and acceptance, blending the sacred and the sensual, where every experience, no matter how mundane, is imbued with spiritual significance.
Unlike *The Waste Land*, which reflects the fractured spirit of modernity and the search for meaning in a spiritually desolate world, *Leaves of Grass* confidently asserts that divinity can be found everywhere and within everyone. Whitman writes with an all-encompassing embrace of life, celebrating the physical and spiritual in equal measure. For Whitman, the human body, nature, and the universe are all sacred, and every moment is an opportunity for spiritual communion.
Whitman’s spirituality is also democratic in nature, extending beyond the individual to the collective human experience. In *Leaves of Grass*, he sees every person, regardless of class, race, or gender, as part of a greater whole. This universalism is reflected in his celebration of America, not just as a political entity but as a spiritual landscape where all people contribute to the collective soul. Whitman’s vision of unity stands in contrast to the spiritual isolation and fragmentation depicted in *The Waste Land*.
In conclusion, *Leaves of Grass* offers a spirituality rooted in vitality, connection, and the inherent sacredness of existence. Whitman’s poetry reflects an exuberant embrace of life and the cosmos, celebrating the self as an extension of the divine, while *The Waste Land* grapples with the loss of meaning and the struggle for spiritual renewal in a fractured world. Whitman’s work is a testament to the power of optimism, unity, and the belief that the divine is present in all aspects of life.
Nature as a Pathway to the Divine
Nature plays a crucial role in Leaves of Grass, serving as a conduit for Whitman’s spiritual reflections. The natural world is not merely a backdrop for his poems but a living, breathing entity that embodies the divine. Whitman’s reverence for nature aligns with the transcendentalist idea that the natural world is a reflection of the divine soul, and that by communing with nature, one can access a higher spiritual understanding.
In poems like “I Sing the Body Electric” and “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry,” Whitman contemplates the connection between the body, nature, and the soul. He blurs the boundaries between the physical and the spiritual, seeing the body as a manifestation of the divine. His poetry suggests that every leaf, blade of grass, and drop of water is imbued with spiritual significance. He writes, “A leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars,” indicating his belief that even the smallest elements of nature contain the same cosmic energy that shapes the universe.
Embracing Death as a Spiritual Journey
A prominent theme in Leaves of Grass is Whitman’s meditation on death, which he views not as an end but as a continuation of life’s spiritual journey. This perspective is especially evident in the poem “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d,” written as an elegy for Abraham Lincoln. Whitman approaches death with a sense of peace and acceptance, seeing it as a part of the natural cycle. His imagery of lilacs, the thrush, and the star symbolize the eternal process of life, death, and rebirth, suggesting a belief in the immortality of the soul.
In the closing section of “Song of Myself,” Whitman addresses death directly, writing, “I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love, / If you want me again look for me under your boot-soles.” Here, he portrays death as a return to the earth, a merging with the cosmos. This vision reflects a spiritual sense of unity, where death is not something to be feared but embraced as a transformation that brings the soul into harmony with the universe.
Poems from Leaves of Grass
Jag firar mig själv, och sjunger om mig själv,
Och vad jag antar, ska du anta,
För varje atom som tillhör mig tillhör lika mycket dig.
Jag dröjer och bjuder in min själ,
Jag lutar mig tillbaka och dröjer i lugn och ro, och betraktar ett strå av sommargräs.
--
Ett barn sa: Vad är gräset? och räckte det till mig med fulla händer;
Hur skulle jag kunna svara barnet? Jag vet inte mer vad det är än han.
Jag antar att det måste vara min sinneslags flagga, vävd av hoppfullt grönt.
Eller jag antar att det är Herrens näsduk,
En doftande gåva och en minnespåminnelse som med avsikt tappats,
Bärandes ägarens namn någonstans i hörnen, så att vi kan se och undra, och säga Vems?
Eller jag antar att gräset är ett barn självt, den frambringade avkomman av vegetationen.
Eller jag antar att det är en enhetlig hieroglyf,
Och det betyder, som spirande lika mycket i breda som i smala zoner,
Växer bland svarta som bland vita,
Kanuck, Tuckahoe, Congressman, Cuff, jag ger dem samma, jag tar emot dem samma.
--
När syrenerna sist blommade på gårdsplanen,
Och den stora stjärnan tidigt sjönk i den västra natthimlen,
Sörjde jag, och ska än sörja med varje återvändande vår.
O mäktiga, fallna stjärna i väster!
O nattens skuggor—O lynniga, tårfyllda natt!
O stora stjärna som försvann—O det svarta mörker som döljer stjärnan!
O grymma händer som håller mig maktlös—O min hjälplösa själ!
O stränga moln som omger mig, som inte vill befria min själ.
HOW TO READ AND WHY!