On Literature and Consolation: Fictions of Comfort

This study explores the premises of literature's ability to bring comfort, examining significant moments in the interlocking histories of literature and consolation. It highlights how literary texts provide examples, food for thought, and good companionship in times of grief and pain, shaping the history of Western literature decisively.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Literature and consolation have been intertwined throughout history, with writers from various eras exploring the potential of their writing to offer solace. This study examines the premises that underlie the assumption that literary writings can bring comfort and highlights the specific elements in literary texts that provide this unique experience. By focusing on significant moments in the interlocking histories of literature and consolation, the book aims to make readers aware of the ways in which literary works can help us understand what consolation means and the effects it can have on individual readers.

The book begins by tracing the origins of literature and consolation in ancient Greece and Rome, where philosophers and poets sought to provide comfort to their audiences through their works. It then moves on to explore the development of literature and consolation in the Middle Ages, where religious texts and works of literature were used to provide solace to individuals facing difficult times.

In the Renaissance, literature and consolation continued to evolve, with writers such as Shakespeare and Flaubert exploring the themes of love, loss, and redemption in their works. This period also saw the emergence of the concept of the "consolatory novel," which aimed to provide readers with a sense of comfort and hope in the face of adversity.

In the modern era, literature and consolation have continued to be important themes in literature. Writers such as Roland Barthes, Denise Riley, and Julian Barnes have explored the potential of literature to offer solace in a variety of ways. Barthes, for example, argued that literature can provide a means of escape from the everyday world and that it can help us to understand our own experiences and emotions. Riley, on the other hand, has argued that literature can help us to develop a sense of empathy and compassion for others.

One of the key elements in literature that provides comfort is the use of narrative. Narratives can help us to make sense of our experiences and to connect with others. They can also provide a sense of hope and optimism, even in the face of adversity. For example, in Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, the story of two young lovers who are separated by their families and ultimately die is a powerful example of the use of narrative to provide comfort.

Another important element in literature that provides comfort is the use of imagery. Imagery can help us to visualize our experiences and to connect with others on a deeper level. For example, in Flaubert's novel Madame Bovary, the description of the protagonist's love for a man who is not worthy of her is a powerful example of the use of imagery to provide comfort.

Literature can also provide a sense of community and belonging. When we read a book, we are entering into a world that is created by the author. This world can be a source of comfort and support, especially in times of grief and pain. For example, in Roland Barthes's essay "The Death of the Author," he argues that the author's death is a loss for the reader, but that the reader can still find comfort in the author's work.

However, literature and consolation are not without their challenges. Some critics have argued that literature can be harmful to individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalized. For example, some works of literature have been used to justify violence and oppression, and some authors have been accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

To address these challenges, it is important for readers to be aware of the potential risks associated with literature and to engage with it in a critical and thoughtful manner. This can involve reading critically, questioning the assumptions and beliefs that are presented in the text, and seeking out diverse perspectives and voices.

In conclusion, literature and consolation have been intertwined throughout history, with writers from various eras exploring the potential of their writing to offer solace. This study examines the premises that underlie the assumption that literary writings can bring comfort and highlights the specific elements in literary texts that provide this unique experience. By focusing on significant moments in the interlocking histories of literature and consolation, the book aims to make readers aware of the ways in which literary works can help us understand what consolation means and the effects it can have on individual readers. While literature and consolation are not without their challenges, it is important for readers to be aware of the potential risks associated with literature and to engage with it in a critical and thoughtful manner.

Weight: 612g
Dimension: 243 x 166 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474456555