Paul’s Conversion - Sin in Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, “Miracle” by Seamus Heaney and “Adam’s Dream” by Edwin Muir
- Emma Cohen-Edmonds
- Jan 21
- 1 min read
Author Bio:
Emma Cohen-Edmonds is a 3rd year Philosophy and Theology undergraduate student at the University of Edinburgh. She is the president of the Thomistic Institute chapter in Edinburgh. Her literary interests primarily centre around biblical or theological comparative literature, with particular interest in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien.
Abstract:
This essay follows how three different texts (one prose, and two poems) each reflect the narrative arc of St. Paul's struggle with sin and his overcoming of it. It begins by following a parallel between the experience of Paul's conversion in the biblical book of Acts with the anagnorisis of Charlotte Bronte's protagonist, Jane Eyre. I compare how both literary agents wrestle with inner conflicts and arrive to a united conclusion that where humankind fails, God always represents the solution. Following this, in light of analysing Paul's religious experience, I turn to Seamus Heaney's poem 'Miracle.' In this, the effect of sin, interpreted as death and suffering is underscored in the same way that Paul underscores it in his letters. Finally, I conclude by deepening an understanding of Paul's anthropology in analysing Edwin Muir's poem, 'Adam's Dream.'
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