"Book of Tears" -- On the Crying Problem in Augustine's "Confessions"

 

Abstract:

This paper explores the theme of tears by observing several accounts of weeping in Augustine’s Confessions. Tears are significant in the book because they express the predicament of human existence, which is a constant movement from “scattering” to “gathering”, from “many” to “one”. The complexity of life destines man to a path of tears. Tears as an expression of emotion is closely related to man’s reason and his will. Its relationship with sorrow, compassion and love form the most important part of Christian ethics.


Keywords:

“Confessions”, cry, love


Full Text (International Version):

CHEN YunSCN JSCC.pdf

Full Text (Simplified Chinese Version):

CHEN YunSCN JSCC.pdf