The Paris Review
S4E12 | Concerning the Future of Souls, by Joy Williams
Mar 20, 2024
Explore themes of souls, memories, and self-reflection in a collection of stories following Azrael, the angel of death. Reflect on life, change, and philosophical dialogues while delving into the concept of transcendence and the enigmatic journey of the soul. Follow characters grappling with the cycle of death and regeneration, culminating in a moving conversation about burial wishes and a shared vision.
17:53
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Quick takeaways
- Depersonalization as a defense mechanism against death in near-death experiences, leading to a contemplation of encountering the shining threshold again.
- Israel, the angel of death with 4,000 wings, guards souls in transit and challenges traditional depictions of soul transporters, instilling fear in the creatures of the air.
Deep dives
Ant - Near-Death Experience
A girl, struck by a surfboard at 14, becomes an N.D.E.R. Her therapist explains it as depersonalization, a defense against death. She wonders about encountering the shining threshold again. Her N.D.E. follows the common pattern: light, tunnel, limitlessness, then a forced retreat.
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