03.10.09
Lagerkvist: The Sybil
Disquieting. It is beautifully written, but perturbing since it possibly hints on the borders of the blasphemous. Based on mythical religious figures, The Sybil of Delphi and The Wandering Jew, The Sybil orbits around the two characters’ encounters with different gods and their parallel calamitous fates.
Pär Lagerkvist’s elegiac style is a striking contrast to repulsive details and the perilous subject of divine and human relationships, hypocritical and real. Lagerkvist (1951’s Nobel Laureate in Literature) is clearly an outstanding author and while I may not approve of the views to which this book is inclined, I cannot help but profess that he asks penetrating questions and is thereby unjustified by the fifteen-peso tag adhered to the dusty back cover of The Sybil. (No one’s complaining, though…hehe…) There is an underlying and identifiable existential tone to this work, but like Hermann Hesse’s Demian, I cannot carelessly recommend it to anyone. I’m also beginning to notice a kinship between Jostein Gaarder and Pär Lagerkvist, so I am still willing to read further Lagerkvists and experience more of these highly intriguing Scandinavian authors.
“Myself? But who was that? Who was I?”
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…and yes, I did finish William Barrett’s Irrational Man. ‘Tis where my Stabilo’s life ceased. No other book has showed me the ropes the way it did for quite some time, and no other philosophy has grabbed me and appealed to me the way Existentialism does. Honestly, there was so much that was incomprehensible to me, but I am even more thankful for the much that I was led to understand, and the rather thorough introduction to philosophy and philosophers including another Scandinavian with a powerful pen.
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I’m sure my rushed condition is evident, but you must forgive me, because alas, my life cannot solely revolve in reading and blogging while listening to The Goldberg Variations even though I have to admit that sometimes, just sometimes, especially on warm afternoons like this when my students are absent, it does. *smiles to everyone*
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“…what does matter is what we make of existence.”
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Miracle ♪♫ said,
March 10, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Notice the bookmark, Gabi? =) Thank you!
Once again… Thank you for the book, Jeremiah!
Thank you also, “Ripieno”, for The Goldberg Variations CD.
It is very pure and purifying.
jonathan hawk follows closely said,
March 10, 2009 at 9:04 pm
It is heartening to note that you dare to venture paths, not known for their safety. For in the risk of one’s safe space, is the enlightenment.
Miracle ♪♫ said,
March 10, 2009 at 9:18 pm
That’s true. But I do believe that there is a right and ripe time for this venturing to “uncharted” paths… and that is when one has established his/her Faith, otherwise the person will just end up confused - as I would have been had I read these kinds of books several years earlier. Thanks for commenting, Jonathan. =)
sopraninigabi said,
March 11, 2009 at 6:31 am
Only fifteen pesos?!?! NOOOO WAAAAAAY. Haha you must have hyperventilated when you saw it in the bookstore ;)
Tee hee, your book mark’s twin is nestled between my own copy of Irrational Man… it moves approximately one page a day but I hope to finish it soon!
I agree with you about Existentialism… among all the other -ISM’s, it’s the one with the most truth (not Sartre’s brand, but more of Kierkegaard’s…)
Miracle ♪♫ said,
March 11, 2009 at 7:05 am
UH HUH! That’s one of the reasons why I can’t refrain from visiting Cebu every now and then… their BookSale tags Nobel Laureates very cheaply. It’s a Happy/Sad reality.hehe =P
This is the only bookmark that brings incalculable smiles to my face, Gabi. =)
Yes. It’s funny how Sartre used to be the first to come to mind whenever Existentialism was mentioned. William Barrett seemed to be aware of this and therefore the line, “Jean Paul Sartre is NOT Existentialism”. I think the most incredible thing about Existentialism is the fact that it can harmonize with Christianity as opposed to other “compromising” philosophies, and while other philosophers revealed and lived varying existences, Kierkegaard (not that I’ve read any Kierkegaards already, but Kierkegaard according to Irrational Man) was successful in testifying this.
Jeremiah said,
March 24, 2009 at 12:51 am
Wow, I’m glad you liked the book, Meewa. :D (and I hope, Gabi finishes and enjoys her copy as well, hehe). You’re very welcome.
(who’s the performer of your Goldberg Variations?)
Yes, we ought to thank God for Kierkegaard, like a sprinkle of spice in a cauldron of bland and godless modern philosophies (his own metaphor, not mine). :) But almost as if I always have this responsibility to qualify–especially since I almost nearly idolized him–he’s a counterbalancing force, unhealthy when taken on his own. Like medicine effective only in curing a disease, but unhealthy otherwise. :)
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Sometimes I have this wish, inspired by a certain comic, of having the power to open a space-time bubble, and enter in with a ton of books. Then as the world stands still, just indulge, and read until I have a lifetime’s fill (and probably catch up with you and Gabi along the way). :P hahahaha.
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Yes, it feels nice to be able to comment, and comment at length. ;) (in response to my previous comment)
Miracle ♪♫ said,
March 25, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Hi Jeremiah! The CD you gave is next on my to do/listen list. =)
Sir Baes shared the more recent Simone Dinnerstein recording. The first complete version I’ve heard performed by a woman. Even though Gould’s is unparalleled, I have to say that I’m also admiring the “woman’s touch” on this one. =)
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The metaphor’s right on target concerning Kierkegaard, and yes, I still have this saved: “I think my tip for anyone who’d like to read Kierkegaard, is to never try to defend him. It is an unnecessary burden to defend him. Because one should approach and read him as a very imperfect individual, and even an unhealthy Christian at that…I think the last thing Kierkegaard would like is for anyone to spend energy defending him, instead of exerting the most energy in fulfilling what you know in your heart God’s purpose is for you.”
Hehehe… I hope God will give me the opportunity to read his works soon. It is I who needs to do some catching up. =P
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Thanks for coming by. I haven’t missed any of your entries, but most of the time they just leave the reader speechless/comment-less.