Lesbian Jesus: The Poetry of Renée Vivien – S. Brennan Kettelle скачать в хорошем качестве

Lesbian Jesus: The Poetry of Renée Vivien – S. Brennan Kettelle

Lesbian Jesus: Mystical Transport and Mythic Transformation in the Poetry of Renée Vivien – S. Brennan Kettelle (University of Amsterdam) Abstract: Renée Vivien (1877-1909) was a prominent poet, self-described Pagan, and unapologetic lesbian of Paris’ Belle Epoque, posthumously coined ‘Sappho 1900’. Vivien’s gynocentric works consistently sought to subvert masculinist discourses by revisiting, and then transforming, familiar tales. Thus, her muses were often mythic and biblical women who she believed were demonized or forgotten by androcentric constructions of history. Moreover, Vivien’s poetry is filled with occult themes; moon worship, goddess cults, and a fascination with the mystical are all observed. However, the theme of ostracization – specifically linked to lesbianism – also features prominently in Vivien’s works. The majority of figures Vivien utilized to embody said ostracization were female characters – witches, Lilith, Vashti, etc. However, towards the end of her career, Vivien became fascinated by the figure of the suffering Christ. In her poem “Le Pilori” (1906), Vivien describes herself as Christ, nailed to a cross while a crowd taunts and abuses her. Vivien’s use of Christ in this way is significant, as it represents one of the few instances in which she valorizes, much less aligns herself with, a male character. This paper argues that Vivien utilized the figure of Jesus as a means to personify and express the pain of lesbian embodiment. Furthermore, Vivien was not attracted to the resurrected, forgiving Christ. Rather, it is the brutalized Christ, crucified before a hostile and uncaring world, that Vivien reclaims and queers. Therefore, not only does Vivien connect Jesus with lesbian subjectivities, she also queers a darker aspect of his narrative, linking his crucifixion to the lesbian experience. In this way, Vivien crafts Jesus as a queer icon of dejection and suffering. Bio: Brennan Kettelle is a Research Master student of Religious Studies at the University of Amsterdam. They hold a master’s degree in Gender and Cultural Studies from Simmons University. Their research focuses on the intersections of esotericism and queerness, with a particular interest in sexuality, esoteric orders, and nineteenth and twentieth century occultism. ----- This paper was presented at the ‘Esotericism and the Varieties of Transformation’ student conference on 26-27 July, 2021. For more information, visit the following link: https://www.facebook.com/events/27258... This hybrid conference (online/on site) was held to explore the theme of ‘transformation’ in the history of esotericism. The motif manifests in many areas and on many different levels – whether we think about ideas/practices of individual deification, alchemical transmutation, or global consciousness change in New Age schemes, ‘transformation’ appears an almost unavoidable concept within the field. While not exclusive to esotericism (e.g. ‘transubstantiation’ in the Christian Eucharist), this notion does seem to occupy a privileged space specifically in esoteric belief systems and practices. Is this coincidental? Or are ‘transformative’ themes symptomatic of larger patterns intrinsic to esotericism? These and many other questions related to the theme formed the backdrop against which over twenty speakers presented fascinating research, arguments, and analyses. The conference was organized in partnership with the Embassy of the Free Mind in Amsterdam and with the generous support of the ESSWE sponsorship program, the Amsterdam University Fund, and the Foundation of the History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents. THE HHP CENTRE The Centre for History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents (HHP) is part of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). We are committed to the highest standards of critical academic scholarship, independent of any worldview. CONTACT Instagram:   / amsterdamhermetica   Website: amsterdamhermetica.nl Facebook:   / amsterdamhermetica   Email: hermetica-fgw@uva.nl Tel: +31 (0)20 525 3571 Postal address: Postbus 1622 1000 BP Amsterdam Visiting address: Bushuis / Oost-Indisch Huis Kloveniersburgwal 48 1012 CX Amsterdam The Netherlands