Abstract

ADUR, Lucas. What to do with the angel? J. L. Borges and F.L. Bernárdez, two ways of writing the mystical experience. Acta poét [online]. 2014, vol.35, n.1, pp.149-173. ISSN 2448-735X.

This paper proposes a reading of two texts of Argentine writers, published almost simultaneously, El buque (1935) by Francisco Luis Bernardez and "El acercamiento a Almotásim" (1936) by Jorge Luis Borges, which may be con sidered two ways, diametrically opposed, to talk about a mystical experience. "Positively", focusing on conceptual discourse and a "negatively" choosing allusion, paradox and silence. Bernardez's poem includes a mystical revelation experienced by the lyrical subject, which is transmitted in conceptual terms and involves a morale. In this sense, El buque represents the position of a group of Catholic poets proposed that literature should aim at service of the diffusion of Christian message and the spiritual renaissance of the Argentinian people. Borges made a review of this poem and, a few months later, wrote "El acercamiento a Almotásim". We understand that this story can be read as a polemical response to El buque and as a different way to give an account of a mystical experience.

Keywords : Borges; Bernárdez; positioning; mysticism; ineffable.

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