Tradition and Fantasy in the Tales of Reb Nahman of Bratslav

Ora Wiskind-Elper

Description

One of the most radically innovative of Hasidic masters, Reb Nahman of Bratslav transformed images and concepts basic to Jewish thought into new and compelling forms. Tradition and Fantasy in the Tales of Reb Nahman of Bratslav uses comparative literary criticism, a range of Hasidic commentary, and original exegesis of the source texts to bring the complex artistry of Reb Nahman's thought to light, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Preface

Introduction

I. The Poet's Self and the Poem

1. The Figure of the Zaddik
2. Innovation and Inspiration: Linking Past to Future
3. The Approaching Redemption
4. Autobiographical Aspects

II. Telling Tales; or, The Physics and Metaphysics of Fiction

1. The Sanctification of Fiction in Hasidic Tradition
2. Adoption of Narrative Elements from Other Genres

Folktales
Rabbinic Literature

3. The Torah as Text and Archetype
4. Multifarious "Texts" and Their Symbolic Value

III. The Romantic Drama

1. Romanticism: A General Definition
2. The Romantic Quest
3. The Indwelling Life of Nature

The Garden
Music

4. In God's Image He Created Her

Metaphors of Motherhood
The Shekhinah: From Mourning to Joy

IV. The Dimension of the Fantastic

1. A Characterization of the Fantastic World

The Mythical Worm and its Evolution
Mythopoetic Archetypes
Between Past and Future: Nostalgia and Expectation
A Definition of the Fantastic as a Literary Genre

2. Perception and Deception: Transmutations of Reality within the Tale

The Dream Paradigm
The Tale Entitled The King's Decree
The Dream of t he Circle in Hayyei Moharan
The Tale Entitled The Lost Princess and the Song of Songs
The Tale Entitled Fly and Spider

3. Blurring of Boundaries, Shifting Identities

Theological Implications: The Kushiya

4. Metamorphosis of Imagery

Symbol
Metaphor
Allegory
The Tale of Heart and Spring

5. The Effect of the Dimension of the Fantastic on the Listener/Reader

Notes

Bibliography

Index of Subjects

Index of Sources

Informations

• Publié par: State University of New York Press
• Date de parution: 01 février 2012
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781438424286
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 15 Mo

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