The sign of the ineffable in twentieth century literature.

This study establishes a critical foundation for understanding the unique sacramental dynamic inherent to literature and to narrative art more generally, demonstrating how Derrida's deconstructive method leaves room for the particular species of referentiality claimed by the Catholic sacraments—which are said to "accomplish what they signify"—and how imaginative literature operates in the same space semiotically. The work continues by examining novels by four writers (Hemingway, Faulkner, Woolf, and McCarthy), and describing how their works affirm the need for this sort of "sacramental grammar of grace" for the transmission of their most deeply epiphanic moments. What results is a way of understanding the continued power of story long after faith in the power of signification has faded.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• Watson, James D., 1982-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Ferretter, Luke, 1970-

• Sacrament.
• Literature.
• Hemingway.
• Faulkner.
• Woolf.
• McCarthy.
• Derrida.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/9795

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/9795