LITR 4632: Literature of the Future

Web-Highlight 2005

Thursday, 2 June: narrative: apocalypse conclude Genesis and Revelation

Web-highlighter: Bryan Hyde

We began with the aforementioned Apocalyptic writings of the Bible, finding that the sense of romance – the escape from bitter travail, the mysticism, and the anticipation of a happy ending , “no more death, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain,” (Rev. 21:46) – is an overriding theme throughout.

(Complete Midterm 2003, Example X)

Furthermore, the concept of the battle between good and evil, the idea of punishment, and the possibility of redemption speak deeply to the human soul.  Humankind wants to believe in an orderly, God-driven, fair universe where we are created in God’s image and good will triumph over evil.

(Complete Midterm 2003, Example Y)

Apocalyptic literature, in general, remains prevalent in our culture because there is usually a sense of hope or a chance of deliverance found within the text.  In the end of The Revelation Jesus offers an escape from the horrible future that has just been depicted, saying, “Blessed are they that do his commandments that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14).

(Complete Midterm 2003, Example Z)