Divinization in Literatur & Literary Theory

Divinization: Etymology, Meanings and Concept

Etymology/Term:

The term “divinization” has its roots in the Latin word “divinatio,” which means “divination” or “the action of foreseeing the future through supernatural means.” It stems from the Latin word “divinus,” meaning “divine” or “related to a god.” Over time, the term evolved to encompass the concept of becoming divine or attaining god-like qualities. In theological and philosophical contexts, divinization refers to the idea that humans can become like gods or achieve union with the divine.

Meanings and Concept:

Meaning/Concept	Description
Theological Perspective	In certain religious traditions, divinization denotes the process by which individuals attain a state of union with the divine, becoming one with God or gods. This concept is often linked to ideas of salvation and spiritual transformation.
Philosophical Interpretation	Philosophically, divinization can be seen as the elevation of human nature to a higher, transcendent level, where individuals embody qualities traditionally associated with the divine, such as wisdom, love, and immortality.
Mystical Experience	In mystical traditions, divinization involves direct, personal experiences of the divine, where individuals may undergo a profound spiritual transformation, transcending their ordinary existence to commune with the divine essence.
Cultural and Mythological Contexts	Some cultures and mythologies depict stories of individuals achieving divinization through heroic deeds, sacred rituals, or divine intervention, highlighting the archetype of humans reaching a god-like status.
Ethical and Moral Aspects	Divinization may also be interpreted in ethical terms, suggesting the pursuit of virtuous and godly qualities in one’s character and actions, leading to a more elevated and morally righteous existence.

Divinization: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Divinization is a theoretical concept rooted in theology and philosophy, positing the potential for humans to attain a state of union with the divine. It encompasses the idea that individuals can transcend their ordinary existence and acquire god-like qualities or attributes. This notion is often associated with religious beliefs, spiritual transformation, and the elevation of human nature to a higher, transcendent plane.

Divinization: Theorists, Works, and Arguments

Theorists	Notable Works	Key Arguments
Early Christian Fathers	Athanasius of Alexandria, Gregory of Nyssa, Augustine of Hippo	Athanasius: “On the Incarnation” – Argued that the Incarnation of Christ is central to divinization, as through it, humans can partake in the divine nature. Gregory of Nyssa: Various writings – Explored the idea of theosis, emphasizing a transformative union with God. Augustine: “City of God” – Discussed the idea of humans finding fulfillment in God, achieving a divine likeness.
Eastern Orthodox Theologians	Maximus the Confessor, Gregory Palamas	Maximus the Confessor: “Ambigua” – Explored the concept of deification, emphasizing the transformative process of becoming united with God. Gregory Palamas: “Triads in Defense of the Holy Hesychasts” – Defended the notion of experiencing God’s divine energies directly, promoting divinization.
Medieval Mystics	Meister Eckhart, John of the Cross	Meister Eckhart: Sermons and Treatises – Explored mystical aspects of divinization, emphasizing the inner union of the soul with God. John of the Cross: “Dark Night of the Soul” – Explored the soul’s purification and ascent towards union with the divine.
Contemporary Theologians	Karl Rahner, Vladimir Lossky	Karl Rahner: “Foundations of Christian Faith” – Discussed the concept of the “supernatural existential,” suggesting a continuous transcendent orientation of human existence. Vladimir Lossky: “The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church” – Focused on the Eastern Orthodox perspective of divinization and its implications for Christian theology.

Divinization: Major Characteristics

1. Transcendence of Mortality:

• Description: Attainment of a divine or immortal status, often through heroic deeds or exceptional accomplishments.
• Literary Example: Achilles in Homer’s “The Iliad” achieves divinization through his heroic exploits, gaining everlasting fame.

2. Connection with Higher Powers:

• Description: Establishment of a profound link with gods or supernatural forces.
• Literary Example: Dante in Dante Alighieri’s “The Divine Comedy” undergoes a transformative journey and attains union with God.

3. Transformation or Metamorphosis:

• Description: Radical change in form or nature, symbolizing a divine evolution.
• Literary Example: Ovid’s “Metamorphoses” explores various mythological transformations, reflecting divine themes.

4. Attainment of Wisdom or Enlightenment:

• Description: Acquisition of profound knowledge or spiritual enlightenment leading to a divine state.
• Literary Example: Siddhartha in Hermann Hesse’s “Siddhartha” attains enlightenment through spiritual exploration.

5. Divine Intervention:

• Description: Direct involvement of deities in mortal affairs, influencing outcomes.
• Literary Example: Athena’s assistance to Odysseus in Homer’s “The Odyssey” showcases divine intervention.

6. Symbolic Sacrifice or Resurrection:

• Description: Sacrificial acts or symbolic deaths leading to a divine or transcendent existence.
• Literary Example: Aslan’s sacrifice and resurrection in C.S. Lewis’s “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.”

7. Immortality or Timelessness:

• Description: Eternal existence or a state beyond the constraints of time.
• Literary Example: Dorian Gray’s eternal youth in Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”

8. Communion with Nature:

• Description: Profound connection with the natural world, embodying divine qualities.
• Literary Example: Walt Whitman’s celebration of nature in “Leaves of Grass” reflects a divine communion.

9. Manifestation of Miracles:

• Description: Occurrence of supernatural events blurring the lines between the ordinary and the divine.
• Literary Example: Magical realism in Gabriel García Márquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude.”

10. Influence on Human Affairs:

• Description: Guiding or shaping human destinies through divine influence.
• Literary Example: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho explores the concept of Personal Legend and the Soul of the World influencing human affairs.

Divinization: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Divinization
Archetypal Criticism	Characters achieving divinization may represent archetypal motifs and universal symbols, embodying timeless and transcendent qualities.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Divinization may be interpreted as a manifestation of the unconscious, symbolizing the fulfillment of hidden desires or the collective psyche.
Feminist Criticism	Examining divinization in literature can reveal gender dynamics and the portrayal of power, agency, and divinity in relation to gender roles.
Postcolonial Criticism	Divinization may be explored in postcolonial contexts to analyze how power dynamics and cultural identity are portrayed and negotiated.
Structuralist Criticism	Divinization can be examined as a structural element, contributing to narrative patterns and the creation of meaning within a literary work.
Deconstructionist Criticism	Analyzing divinization through deconstruction may reveal contradictions and complexities in the portrayal of the divine within a text.
Marxist Criticism	Divinization can be studied in the context of class struggle, examining how it reflects or challenges societal hierarchies and power structures.
Reader-Response Criticism	Readers’ interpretations of divinization may vary, reflecting individual perspectives and personal experiences with the divine in literature.
Cultural Criticism	Examining divinization within cultural contexts can illuminate how religious or spiritual beliefs influence the portrayal of divinity in literature.
Ecocriticism	The divine connection with nature in divinization can be explored in ecocritical perspectives, emphasizing the ecological and environmental dimensions.

These literary theories provide diverse lenses through which divinization in literature can be analyzed, offering insights into cultural, psychological, and societal aspects.

Divinization: Application in Critiques

1. The Odyssey by Homer:
   • Application of Divinization: In The Odyssey, divinization is evident in the hero Odysseus, who receives guidance and assistance from the goddess Athena. This divine intervention shapes the narrative, emphasizing the influence of higher powers on mortal affairs. Odysseus’s journey, marked by trials and tribulations, reflects a transcendence of ordinary human experiences, portraying him as a figure with qualities beyond the mundane.
   • Critique: The theme of divinization adds depth to the epic, showcasing the intersection of mortal and divine realms. It allows for an exploration of the heroic journey as not merely physical but also spiritual, resonating with the cultural and religious beliefs of the time.
2. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez:
   • Application of Divinization: Magical realism in One Hundred Years of Solitude contributes to divinization as characters experience miraculous events. This blurring of the ordinary and the divine challenges conventional reality, offering a unique perspective on the intersection between the mystical and the everyday. The Buendía family’s destiny becomes intertwined with supernatural occurrences, suggesting a divine influence on their lives.
   • Critique: Divinization serves as a powerful literary device in One Hundred Years of Solitude, allowing Márquez to explore the complexities of human existence and the impact of the divine on the unfolding of the family’s saga. It also offers a lens through which to analyze cultural and historical dimensions.
3. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse:
   • Application of Divinization: In Siddhartha, the protagonist’s quest for enlightenment and spiritual awakening aligns with the theme of divinization. Siddhartha’s journey involves transcending worldly concerns and achieving a higher state of consciousness. The novel explores the concept of divinity within oneself and the interconnectedness of all living things.
   • Critique: Hesse’s portrayal of divinization in Siddhartha invites readers to reflect on the nature of existence, personal growth, and the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment. The narrative challenges traditional Western perspectives and introduces Eastern philosophies, making it a thought-provoking exploration of the divine within.
4. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde:
   • Application of Divinization: Wilde’s novel incorporates divinization through the character of Dorian Gray, who retains eternal youth while his portrait ages and bears the consequences of his moral decay. The supernatural element in Dorian’s existence raises questions about the price of immortality and the moral implications of seeking divine attributes.
   • Critique: Divinization in The Picture of Dorian Gray serves as a critical commentary on the pursuit of eternal beauty and pleasure. Wilde uses the concept to explore themes of morality, the corrupting influence of desire, and the Faustian bargain that comes with seeking a divine or timeless existence.

Divinization: Relevant Terms

Terms	Description
1. Transcendence	Beyond ordinary human experience, often reaching a divine state.
2. Enlightenment	Attainment of spiritual or intellectual insight and understanding.
3. Metamorphosis	Transformation or change, often with profound symbolic implications.
4. Mythopoeia	Creation of myth or the infusion of mythical elements into literature.
5. Apotheosis	Elevation to divine status or the exaltation of a character or idea.
6. Mysticism	Pursuit of direct communion with a divine or transcendent reality.
7. Numinosity	Quality of sacredness or divinity attributed to a literary work or element.
8. Sacred Profane	Exploration of the divine and mundane, often in contrast or combination.
9. Eternal Recurrence	Concept of eternal repetition or cyclical existence, often with divine implications.
10. Transfiguration	Radical change in form or appearance, often symbolizing a higher state.

Divinization: Suggested Readings

1. Athanasius of Alexandria. Early Christian Fathers. Random House, 2000.
2. Augustine of Hippo. Early Christian Fathers. Oxford University Press, 1985.
3. Eckhart, Meister, and Meister Eckhart. “From Whom God Hid Nothing.” Boston: Shambhala (1996).
4. Fagles, Robert, translator. Homer. The Odyssey. Penguin Classics, 1997.
5. García Márquez, Gabriel. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Vintage Books, 1982.
6. Hesse, Hermann. Siddhartha. New Directions, 1951.
7. Maximus the Confessor. Eastern Orthodox Theologians. Cambridge University Press, 1998.
8. Ovid. Metamorphoses. Translated by David Raeburn, Penguin Classics, 2004.
9. Palamas, Gregory. Eastern Orthodox Theologians. Oxford University Press, 2010.
10. Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. Dover Publications, 1993.