It seems that Orson F Whitney’s description of home literature was not just that he wanted members to create fine art, but he wanted them to do it in a way that was inspired by the spirit and that would help the reader to receive truth. In Andersen’s book Added Upon, I feel like he attempted to do that. If I were to put his book in a genre, I would call it a Romanic. Yet, it isn’t just a romantic novel, but it is a fictional story that is meant to cause individuals to consider basic beliefs members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday-Saints have about the Plan of Salvation.
He tries to incorporate good qualities of a typical novel. He uses a lot of descriptive words to describe different settings and events, he writes in different points of view, and tries to create a multi-faceted plot. All the while trying to teach the gospel. I don’t think Andersen does a very good job at this, but I appreciated the fact that he attempted to explore our theology through writing a fictious story. His first attempt paves the way for others to improve upon his work and do similar things.
I think there is a lot more than Anderson could have done, but I believe you when you mention that he has paved the way. He did a great job taking a subject that is generally taboo outside of Mormon culture and provides interesting insight to create his story. From what Orson mentioned, the story was pure and powerful, but it seemed to lack foundation in the sense of ficticious settings.
ReplyDeleteI think your definition of Whitney's home literature is accurate. What is the point of cultivating a culture if it is not done with the intent to better ourselves spiritually as well? I also agree with you on your perspective of Andersen's novel. His book can be seen as a catalyst for this type of genre, however, he was not completely successful and lacks some basic elements of the novel.
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