Axis Mundi: The Spiritual Journey of Consciousness in the Thought of Northrop Frye

Abstract

<p>This dissertation locates the central place religion plays in the thought of Northrop Frye. It is argued that Frye's interpretation of William Blake forms the locus for his entire critical enterprise. Not only is Frye's literary theory based on the foundation he first encountered in Blake's thought, as is commonly accepted, but here it is argued that Frye's essentially religious perception of reality also has its origins in Blake. A critical study of the manner in which Frye gives further expression and nuance to this religious vision forms the basis of this study. This dissertation will be of value to those interested in all aspects of Northrop Frye's critical theories, as well as those interested in philosophical theology as it pertains religious epistemology and ontology, and the role the imagination plays in perception.</p>