The Catholic Imagination in JRR Tolkien and Flannery O'Connor | Prof. Raymond Hain
Jul 27, 2020
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Prof. Raymond Hain discusses Catholic themes in Tolkien and O'Connor's works, emphasizing eukatastrophe for redemption. Contrasts O'Connor's distorted style with Tolkien's natural creation, exploring suffering and hope in their narratives. Analyzes Middle Earth's grace and Catholicism, highlighting influences from human oratorians and Newman's aesthetics.
Artists and saints serve as apologetics for the faith through their works.
Both Tolkien and O'Connor infuse hope, redemption, and longing for divine providence in their narratives.
Deep dives
The Catholic Imagination in Literature
The Catholic Imagination in J.R.R. Tolkien and Flannery O'Connor highlights the unique way in which artists and saints serve as apologetics for the faith. This discussion delves into the concept of mystical, moral, and poetic knowledge as forms of human understanding, with art being inseparable from truth. The role of artistic creativity as a participation in God's creative activity is emphasized, showcasing how artists offer an invitation to goodness, beauty, and ultimately, God himself.
Two Catholic Writers: J.R.R. Tolkien and Flannery O'Connor
The focus shifts to the detailed exploration of the lives and works of two Catholic writers, J.R.R. Tolkien and Flannery O'Connor. Born in different eras and regions, both authors embody the vision of Catholic literature expressed by Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II. While reflecting their devout Catholicism in distinct ways, with Tolkien celebrating mythical worlds and O'Connor infusing Southern Catholic sensibilities into her stories, both writers offer profound insights into the intersection of faith and creativity.
Narrative Endings: Hope and Redemption
The discussion encompasses how both Flannery O'Connor and J.R.R. Tolkien infuse hope and redemption into their narratives. Through an analysis of the story 'The River' by O'Connor, the theme of eucatastrophe, a sudden and miraculous turn towards joy, is explored. Despite differing approaches – O'Connor's stark portrayal of suffering and Tolkien's creation of pagan-infused worlds awaiting grace – both authors convey a deep sense of longing for divine providence and the ultimate journey towards salvation.
Aesthetic Contrasts in Catholic Literature
The varying aesthetic styles of Flannery O'Connor and J.R.R. Tolkien in Catholic literature are highlighted. O'Connor's emphasis on the grotesque and prophetic elements in her stories contrasts with Tolkien's celebration of beauty and incarnational themes. While O'Connor's narratives confront readers with the stark realities of suffering and redemption, Tolkien's works, rooted in pagan inspirations and hidden grace, offer a contemplative journey through fantastical worlds. Both authors embody the diverse expressions of the Catholic imagination, blending elements of prophecy and the sacred with earthly beauty and grace.
This lecture was given at Queen's University on February 5, 2020.
For more events and info please visit thomisticinstitute.org/events-1.
Professor Raymond Hain is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Providence College and Associate Director of the Providence College Humanities Program. He received his BA in Philosophy from Christendom College and his MA and PhD in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, where he studied under Ralph McInerny and David Solomon. He works primarily in moral philosophy in the Thomistic tradition, as well as topics in applied ethics (especially bioethics and the ethics of architecture) and connections between philosophy and literature. As part of the Humanities Program, he directs the Providence College Humanities Forum and the Providence College Humanities Reading Seminars.
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