The Weak Messianic Power of Fiction: From Loss to Redemption
The Weak Messianic Power of Fiction: From Loss to Redemption
Author(s): Jüri Lipping, Jaak TombergSubject(s): Philosophy
Published by: Eesti Kunstiteadlaste Ühing
Keywords: fictional writing; historical materialism; the virtual; redemption; angel
Summary/Abstract: The article describes history as a tragic loss of historical possibilities and sees fiction as a vessel for a weak messianic power which regulates the virtual archive of ”failed” historical possibilities and thereby constitutes historical reality. The article interprets Walter Benjamin’s ’Theses on the Philosophy of History’, relates them with the thoughts of Eric Santner, Maurice Blanchot, Jacques Derrida and Slavoj Žižek and describes the reconciliatory function of fiction through literary works by Christa Wolf and Mati Unt.
Journal: Kunstiteaduslikke Uurimusi
- Issue Year: 16/2007
- Issue No: 03
- Page Range: 116-118
- Page Count: 3
- Language: English
