Aura in Literature & Literary Theory

Aura: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept

Etymology/Term:

The term “aura” has its roots in ancient Greek, deriving from the word αὔρα (aura), meaning “breeze” or “air.” Over time, it evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, often associated with a distinctive atmosphere or quality surrounding a person, place, or object. The concept of aura has been explored in various disciplines, including philosophy and aesthetics, with its implications extending to perceptual and spiritual realms.

Meanings and Concept:

• Aesthetic Significance: In aesthetics, it refers to the unique and authentic quality that an artwork possesses. Walter Benjamin, in his essay “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction,” explored the idea of the aura in the context of originality and authenticity in art. He suggested that the aura of an artwork is diminished in the age of mass reproduction.
• Spiritual or Mystical Presence: In a more mystical or spiritual context, it is often associated with an energy field or emanation believed to surround living beings. Some belief systems posit that individuals emit an aura that reflects their emotional and spiritual state.
• Atmosphere and Surroundings: Beyond individuals and artworks, it can also refer to the distinctive atmosphere or character surrounding a place or environment. This broader interpretation considers how a specific location or setting exudes a unique vibe or energy.
• Perception and Personal Experience: The concept is intertwined with subjective perception and personal experience. It suggests that individuals may perceive an intangible quality that goes beyond the physical attributes, contributing to a sense of uniqueness or significance.

Aura: Definition of a Theoretical Term

The theoretical term “aura” refers to an intangible quality or distinctive atmosphere surrounding a person, object, or place. It is often associated with a sense of authenticity and uniqueness, as exemplified in Walter Benjamin’s exploration of the aesthetic aura in original works of art. Beyond aesthetics, the concept extends to spiritual or mystical notions, suggesting an energy field or presence believed to emanate from living beings.

Aura: Theorists, Works, and Arguments

Theorists:

1. Walter Benjamin: In his essay “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction,” Benjamin explores the concept in the context of art. He argues that the uniqueness and authenticity of an artwork, its “aura,” diminish with mass reproduction, affecting the viewer’s experience.
2. Carl Gustav Jung: A prominent figure in psychology, Jung discussed this idea in terms of the human psyche. He proposed that individuals possess a personal aura or energy field that reflects their emotional and psychological states.
3. Guy Debord: A key figure in the Situationist International, Debord addressed it in the realm of modern spectacle and consumer society. He argued that the commodification of experiences and images in society diminishes it, creating a detached and mediated relationship between individuals and their surroundings.

Works:

1. Walter Benjamin – “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction” (1936): Benjamin’s seminal essay delves into the changing nature of art in the face of technological reproduction. He introduces the concept and discusses its transformation in the age of mechanical reproduction.
2. Carl Gustav Jung – Various Works on Analytical Psychology: Jung’s exploration is dispersed across his works on analytical psychology, where he discusses the individual’s energy field and the symbolism associated with auras in the context of spirituality and psychology.
3. Guy Debord – “The Society of the Spectacle” (1967): Debord’s influential work critiques the spectacle of modern capitalist society. While not explicitly focused on this idea, it addresses the mediated nature of contemporary experiences, contributing to discussions about the diminishing aura in a society dominated by images and commodification.

Key Arguments:

1. Authenticity and Reproduction: Walter Benjamin’s argument revolves around the idea that it relates to an artwork, tied to its authenticity, is compromised when reproduced on a mass scale. The unique presence and historical context of the original are lost in replicated copies.
2. Psychological and Spiritual Dimensions: Carl Gustav Jung’s exploration extends into the realms of psychology and spirituality, proposing that individuals emit a personal energy field reflecting their inner states, emotions, and spiritual well-being.
3. Media and Commodification: Guy Debord’s arguments in “The Society of the Spectacle” contribute to discussions about its diminishing focus in a society where experiences and images are commodified. The mediated nature of contemporary life, according to Debord, creates a detachment that affects the authenticity of human experiences.

Aura: Major Characteristics

1. Uniqueness and Authenticity: It is often associated with a unique and authentic quality. In aesthetic contexts, as explored by Walter Benjamin, it refers to the original and singular presence of an artwork that can be diminished through reproduction.
2. Subjective Perception: The perception is subjective and varies among individuals. It involves an intuitive or sensory experience that goes beyond the tangible attributes of a person, object, or place.
3. Aesthetic Presence: Within aesthetics, it is linked to the distinctive atmosphere or presence surrounding an original work of art. It encompasses the emotional impact and historical context that make the artwork irreplaceable.
4. Psychological Energy Field: In psychology, particularly in the works of Carl Gustav Jung, aura is considered as an energy field emanating from individuals. It reflects psychological and emotional states, contributing to the overall understanding of one’s inner self.
5. Spiritual Significance: Beyond psychology, the concept carries spiritual connotations. Some belief systems posit that living beings, including humans, possess an energy field that reflects their spiritual well-being and connection to a broader cosmic energy.
6. Mediation and Commodification: In contemporary discussions, theorists like Guy Debord address the diminishing aura in the context of modern society’s spectacle and commodification. The proliferation of images and experiences through media can lead to a detached and mediated relationship with the world.
7. Time and History: The aura often has a temporal dimension, associated with the historical and cultural context of an object or individual. It implies a connection to a specific time and place that contributes to its unique character.
8. Symbolism: Aura can carry symbolic meanings, representing more than just a visual or sensory experience. It may embody cultural, spiritual, or personal symbolism, adding layers of significance to the perceived presence.
9. Detachment and Reproducibility: Walter Benjamin’s argument also includes the idea that the aura is diminished as a result of detachment caused by the reproducibility of images and experiences. In a society inundated with reproductions, the original’s aura may be lost.
10. Cultural and Social Context: The concept of aura is deeply embedded in cultural and social contexts, influencing how individuals, objects, or places are perceived within a given society. It reflects the values, beliefs, and collective experiences of a community or civilization.

Aura: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of “Aura”
Aestheticism	Emphasizes the importance of the unique and authentic “aura” surrounding a literary work, appreciating its aesthetic and emotional impact.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Considers the aura as a manifestation of the author’s or characters’ psychological states, exploring how it reflects inner emotions and conflicts.
Postcolonial Theory	Examines the aura in the context of cultural and historical authenticity, addressing how texts carry the unique imprints of diverse cultural experiences.
Deconstruction	Challenges the notion of a fixed or singular aura, emphasizing the fluidity and multiplicity of interpretations, deconstructing fixed meanings.
Reader-Response Criticism	Views the aura as a subjective experience, exploring how individual readers’ interpretations contribute to the creation of unique literary auras.
Marxist Literary Theory	Analyzes the aura in terms of commodification and cultural value, considering how literature is affected by economic and social structures.
Postmodernism	Questions the traditional aura associated with originality and authenticity, often employing pastiche and intertextuality to disrupt conventional literary auras.
Feminist Literary Criticism	Explores the gendered aspects of aura, considering how certain works or authors may have been marginalized or elevated based on gender-related biases.
New Historicism	Investigates the historical and cultural aspect embedded in literary texts, exploring how literature reflects and shapes the cultural context of its time.
Ecocriticism	Examines its nature and the environment in literature, exploring how ecological themes and settings contribute to the overall literary atmosphere.

Aura: Application in Critiques

1. The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci:
   • The aura surrounding The Mona Lisa lies not only in its artistic brilliance but in its unique historical and cultural significance. The painting’s authenticity and originality contribute to an almost mythical aura, inviting viewers to engage with the enigmatic smile and gaze of the subject, transcending mere visual aesthetics.
2. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez:
   • In One Hundred Years of Solitude, Márquez creates a narrative aura that blends magical realism with a rich cultural tapestry. The novel’s unique aura arises from Márquez’s narrative style, characterized by intricate storytelling and a blending of the real and the fantastical, which contributes to the work’s lasting impact and cultural resonance.
3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
   • Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby exudes an aura of the Roaring Twenties, capturing the essence of the Jazz Age. The novel’s aura is embedded in its exploration of the American Dream, decadence, and the pursuit of elusive ideals. The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock, among other symbols, adds layers of meaning to the work’s enduring aura.
4. Beloved by Toni Morrison:
   • Beloved carries an intense and haunting aura, emanating from Morrison’s exploration of the traumatic legacy of slavery. The novel’s aura is shaped by Morrison’s poetic prose, symbolic depth, and the incorporation of ghostly elements. It creates an emotional resonance that goes beyond the historical narrative, inviting readers to confront the haunting effects of the past.

In these critiques, the concept of aura is applied to highlight the unique qualities, historical and cultural resonances, and emotional impacts that contribute to the enduring significance of each literary work.

Aura: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Presence	The quality of being perceptible or felt.
Atmosphere	The distinctive mood or character of a place or situation.
Essence	The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something.
Vibe	The atmosphere or aura surrounding a person or place.
Ambiance	The overall mood or feeling of a particular environment.
Spirit	The non-physical part of a person; often associated with a unique energy.
Mystique	An aura of mystery, fascination, or charm.
Charisma	Compelling attractiveness or charm that inspires devotion.
Resonance	A deep, enduring effect or impact.
Emanation	The action of issuing or spreading out from a source.

Aura: Suggested Readings

1. Benjamin, Walter. Illuminations: Essays and Reflections. Edited by Hannah Arendt, translated by Harry Zohn, Schocken Books, 1969.
2. Jung, Carl Gustav. Man and His Symbols. Doubleday, 1964.
3. Márquez, Gabriel García. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Translated by Gregory Rabassa, Harper & Row, 1970.
4. Morrison, Toni. Beloved. Knopf, 1987.
5. Woolf, Virginia. To the Lighthouse. Harcourt, Brace and Company, 1927.