Manchester University Press
6 Pas de deux
Abstract
This chapter explores the mystery of togetherness, as variously embodied in Cassian’s monasticism, a medieval version of the Narcissus myth, and the thinking of philosopher Martin Buber. Even when one plus one fails to add up, these texts suggest, some broken community may nonetheless persist; even when it looks like we’re getting nowhere, something in us may in fact be moved. Love may, in this way, not reduce to a subject or an object; it may be neither of one nor of two.
Abstract
This chapter explores the mystery of togetherness, as variously embodied in Cassian’s monasticism, a medieval version of the Narcissus myth, and the thinking of philosopher Martin Buber. Even when one plus one fails to add up, these texts suggest, some broken community may nonetheless persist; even when it looks like we’re getting nowhere, something in us may in fact be moved. Love may, in this way, not reduce to a subject or an object; it may be neither of one nor of two.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Acknowledgements vi
- Prelude x
- Introduction: Ave 1
- 1 Toward transfiguration 17
- 2 Saints, poets, and other crossover artists 34
- 3 Monastic poetics 52
- Interlude 1 72
- 4 Waiting for the Middle Ages 74
- 5 Bodies in waiting 91
- 6 Pas de deux 110
- Interlude 2 125
- 7 Lyric medievalism 127
- 8 Lyric theology 144
- Interlude 3 161
- 9 Make me 163
- Conclusion: Ecce 180
- Bibliography 182
- Index 187
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Acknowledgements vi
- Prelude x
- Introduction: Ave 1
- 1 Toward transfiguration 17
- 2 Saints, poets, and other crossover artists 34
- 3 Monastic poetics 52
- Interlude 1 72
- 4 Waiting for the Middle Ages 74
- 5 Bodies in waiting 91
- 6 Pas de deux 110
- Interlude 2 125
- 7 Lyric medievalism 127
- 8 Lyric theology 144
- Interlude 3 161
- 9 Make me 163
- Conclusion: Ecce 180
- Bibliography 182
- Index 187
