The narrative structure of Augustine's Confessions

Time's quest for eternity

Books X-XIII are not usually thought of as contributing to the work's narrative structure, but they are essential to it. Whereas I-IX constitute a circular narrative of fall and return, X-XIII reinstitute a movement toward a projected rest, but thy do so through a narrative of ascent, from memory t...

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Bibliographic Details
Author:Emmet Thomas Flood
Volume:28
Pages:141-162
Periodical:International Philosophical Quarterly
Number:2
Format:Article
Topic:- Works > Confessiones
- Doctrine > Time. History > Time > Time
- Doctrine > Being > [Infinité. Immutabilité. Unité] > [Eternité]
Status:Needs Review
Description
Summary:Books X-XIII are not usually thought of as contributing to the work's narrative structure, but they are essential to it. Whereas I-IX constitute a circular narrative of fall and return, X-XIII reinstitute a movement toward a projected rest, but thy do so through a narrative of ascent, from memory to its divine exemplar. Book X, Augustine's meditation on memory, is thus the central chapter in his design.