PSA Honorary Member: Marilynne Robinson

Abstract

Yes, there is balm in Gilead. The 2005 Pulitzer Prize–winning novel tells not only of guilt and pain, but also of blessing and grace. Marilynne Robinson terms her approach “cosmic realism.” Throughout her novels—Housekeeping, Gilead, Home, Lila, and Jack—she has been a chronicler and cherisher of that moment that everything comes down to.There are, famously enough, ultimacies in Poe, as well. Robinson has written with affection of him, “I loved the dark gorgeousness of his mind, and the utter, quite palpable, almost hallucinatory loneliness of it.” She has written with insight about Poe’s Eureka—“a startling anticipation of modern cosmology”—his Pym—the whiteness of its final image “suggesting figures of biblical apocalyptic judgment”—and his great tales—“straightforward moral parables.” And she has culminated her occasional meditations on Poe with her thoughtful and discerning Guest of Honor Address at the Fifth International Edgar Allan Poe Conference, “Poe Takes Boston.” A standing ovation was only appropriate.Marilynne Robinson has honored Poe, and the Poe Studies Association is very pleased and proud to award her honorary membership.Welcome!