Fiction as Truth: Seeking religious depth in Short Stories, Novels, and Film

November 7-9, 2008

Crowne Plaza Hotel

Chicago, Illinois

 

 

Picasso is reported to have said that “art is a lie that makes us realize the truth.”  Fiction tells truth because it is the truth of life that goes into making good fiction: love, hate, fear, courage, delight, sorrow, betrayal, loyalty, confusion, choice, circumstance, luck, injustice.  When Tobias Wolff described the common characteristics of the authors he brought together in a collection of American short stories, he described the truth-telling telling nature of fiction: “They write about fear of death, fear of life, the feelings that bring people together and force them apart, the costs of intimacy.  They remind us that our house is built on sand.  They are, every one of them, interested in what it means to be human.”  When fiction explores the hard issues and deep questions in life, it brings us on holy ground, sacred territory.  Fiction (short stories, novels, film) that probes deeply is religious.  And, this kind of depth exploration is necessary to, and perhaps even instructive vis-à-vis, the work of theology. 

Sneak Previews of the 2008 Program:

The well known novelist Father Andrew Greeley, who is also a Professor of Sociology at the University of Arizona and a Research Associate with the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago, will offer our opening address entitled: “How Stories about God Get Written.” http://www.agreeley.com/author.html

 

The Chicago based short story writer Stuart Dybek, Distinguished Writer in Residence at Northwestern University and a 2007 MacArthur Fellow, will speak and read on Saturday, his talk will be: “The Lexicon of Mystery and Awe: Fiction's use of the Language of Religion.” http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2007/09/dybek.html

 

In her presidential address, Carol Lakey Hess will be looking at fiction and the so-called American Dream. She will make use of what she calls ‘robust’ reader-response theory and post-colonial theory. She will consider Fitzgerald’s Great Gatsby as “Theodicy in Metaphor” and Morrison’s Bluest Eye through the lens of what she has titled “The Corrosive Effects of Whiteness.”

 

We hope to see you in Chicago!

Questions and comments about the theme and offers to assist in the design of the meeting may be directed to President-Elect, Dr. Carol Lakey Hess. Email: carol.lakey.hess@stanfordalumni.org

                                                

 

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