Abstract
AbstractLouisiana Catholic author Tim Gautreaux engages questions of violence and revenge in his two most recent novels, The Clearing (2003) and The Missing (2009). In particular, engaging the popular myth of redemptive violence, The Missing explores the attractiveness of this idea before ultimately revealing the falseness of this simplistic approach to evil. This essay draws on Catholic social teaching as well as theologian Walter Wink’s analysis of redemptive violence to investigate the critique of revenge revealed in the novel. Through the protagonist Sam Simoneaux’s wrestling with the possibility of revenge juxtaposed with his uncle’s quiet Catholic-infused teaching, the novel reveals that a journey toward reclaiming a painful past is only possible if the siren song of vengeance is resisted.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
