Evans Lansing Smith Livres

Figuring Poesis focuses on the interrelations between myth and geometrical symbolism in literature since the end of the Second World War. Detailed readings of a wide range of works contextualize allusions to the myths of the apocalypse, the great goddess, alchemy, the labyrinth, and the descent to the underworld. The geometrical symbols that occur in conjunction with these myths serve as images of poesis and hermeneusis. The conclusion brings postmodernist paintings and architecture into the discussion, and develops an iconography of form.

Thomas Pynchon and the Postmodern Mythology of the Underworld is devoted to the work of one of the most highly acclaimed writers of the post-World War II period of American literature, Thomas Pynchon. Through close readings and broad amplification, this book illustrates that the descent to the underworld is the single most important myth in Pynchon's work, conferring shape and significance upon each of his novels. This book also offers a unique perspective on postmodernism, which is characterized by ludic syncretism - the playful synthesis of myths from a variety of cultures. In addition, Thomas Pynchon and the Postmodern Mythology of the Underworld is a major contribution to the study of myth and literature as a whole, through the definition of what Evans Lansing Smith calls necrotypes - archetypal images catalyzed by the mythology of the underworld. This book employs an interdisciplinary methodology that will be of critical interest to scholars of comparative literature, mythology, and religion; to theorists and critics of modernism and postmodernism; to depth psychologists in the traditions of Jung, Freud, and James Hillman; as well as to the broad base of Pynchon enthusiasts and exponents of popular culture.

Exploring the hero journey theme across literature, this book examines the imagery of rites of passage throughout human life, such as initiation during adolescence, mid-life transitions, and death. It uniquely highlights significant literary works, offering detailed discussions that illuminate how the hero's journey is portrayed in major texts from antiquity to the present, making it a valuable resource for understanding this enduring narrative pattern.

The book delves into the influence of the nekyia, a Homeric narrative about descent into the underworld, on James Merrill's poetry. Smith meticulously analyzes how this myth shapes and gives meaning to Merrill's entire oeuvre, extending beyond "The Changing Light at Sandover," where it serves as a central premise. The exploration reveals the pervasive presence of this theme throughout Merrill's works, highlighting its significance in understanding his poetic evolution and the interconnectedness of his writings.

A narrative poem about the loss of innocence and life and death on a family estate in Virginia in the traumatic years of the 1960s.

Exploring the intricate dynamics of relationships, this trilogy delves into the emotional and spiritual growth catalyzed by each connection. Each novel represents a pivotal stop in Odysseus's journey, reflecting the themes of love, longing, and transformation as he navigates through challenges, akin to the mythical islands of Calypso, Circe, and Nausicaa. Meanwhile, Penelope remains steadfast, weaving her web in Ithaka, symbolizing hope and resilience amidst the trials of separation.