A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Interpretations of Emanuel Swedenborg’s image of the afterlife in the novel Oneiron by Laura Lindstedt




AuthorsTiina Mahlamäki, Tomas Mansikka

PublisherDonner Institute

Publishing placeTurku

Publication year2020

JournalScripta Instituti Donneriani Aboensis

Volume29

First page 103

Last page123

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.30674/scripta.85054

Web address https://journal.fi/scripta/article/view/85054

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/50363113


Abstract

This article discusses the relationship between Western esotericism and literature. As an example of a secular author who uses and benefits from esoteric texts, ideas and thoughts as resources in creating a literary artwork, the article analyses Laura Lindstedt’s novel Oneiron. A Fantasy About the Seconds After Death (2015). It contextualises the novel within the frames of Western esotericism and literature, focusing on Emanuel Swedenborg’s impact on discourses of the afterlife in literature. Laura Lindstedt’s postmodern novel indicates various ways that esoteric ideas, themes, and texts can work as resources for authors of fiction in twenty-first century Finland. Since the late eighteenth century Swedenborg’s influence has been evident in literature and among artists, especially in providing resources for other-worldly imagery. Oneiron proves that the ideas of Swedenborg are still part of the memory of Western culture and literature.


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