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
Authors: Tiina Mahlamäki, Tomas Mansikka
Publisher: Donner Institute
Publishing place: Turku
Publication year: 2020
Journal: Scripta Instituti Donneriani Aboensis
Volume: 29
First page : 103
Last page: 123
DOI: https://doi.org/10.30674/scripta.85054
Web address : https://journal.fi/scripta/article/view/85054
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/50363113
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.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |