Powers of Horror: An Essay on Abjection

Julia Kristeva explores the nature of abjection, drawing on Freud and Lacan to analyze attitudes toward repulsive subjects and the function of these topics in the writings of various authors. She identifies the abject with the eruption of the real and the presence of death, and argues that art and religion offer ways of purifying the abject.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 13 February 2024
Publisher: Columbia University Press

In her groundbreaking work "Powers of Horror," Julia Kristeva delves into the intricate and profound realm of abjection, offering a comprehensive and insightful exploration of its nature. Drawing upon the rich insights of Freud and Lacan, Kristeva examines the complex attitudes toward repulsive subjects and explores the profound role these themes play in the writings of renowned authors such as Louis-Ferdinand Céline, Marcel Proust, James Joyce, and others. Through her meticulous analysis, Kristeva identifies the abject as the eruption of the real and the undeniable presence of death. She delves into the ways in which art and religion serve as purifying agents, offering means to cleanse the abject and transcend its unsettling implications.

Kristeva argues that in the midst of abjection, the boundaries between subject and object crumble, creating a space of ambiguity and uncertainty. She explores how art and religion, as distinct modes of expression, offer unique perspectives on the abject and provide means of purification and transcendence. Art, according to Kristeva, can evoke a sense of horror and disgust, allowing the subject to confront and confront their own fears and desires. By engaging with the abject through artistic expression, the subject can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Religion, on the other hand, offers a spiritual and moral framework for dealing with the abject. Through religious practices and beliefs, the subject can find solace, hope, and meaning in the face of the overwhelming and often repulsive aspects of existence. Religion provides a sense of community and belonging, offering a collective experience of the abject that can help individuals confront their own fears and anxieties.

In conclusion, "Powers of Horror" by Julia Kristeva is a seminal work that offers a profound and multi-faceted understanding of abjection. Through her meticulous analysis of Freud and Lacan, Kristeva explores the complex attitudes toward repulsive subjects and examines the profound role these themes play in the writings of renowned authors. She identifies the abject as the eruption of the real and the undeniable presence of death, and argues that art and religion each offer unique ways of purifying and transcendence. By engaging with the abject through artistic expression and religious practices, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, confronting their own fears and desires and finding solace and meaning in the face of the overwhelming and often repulsive aspects of existence.

Weight: 334g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231214575