Graduation Year
2017
Date of Submission
4-2017
Document Type
Open Access Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Literature
Reader 1
Robert Faggen
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
© 2017 Alexander J. Lombardo
Abstract
This study examines the influence of various Western mystical traditions on Leonard Cohen’s second novel, Beautiful Losers. It begins with a discussion of Cohen’s public remarks concerning religion and mysticism followed by an assessment of twentieth century Canadian criticism on Beautiful Losers. Three thematic chapters comprise the majority of the study, each concerning a different mystical tradition—Kabbalism, Gnosticism, and Christian mysticism, respectively. The author considers Beautiful Losers in relation to these systems, concluding that the novel effectively depicts the pursuit of God, or knowledge, through mystic practice and doctrine. This study will interest scholars seeking a careful exploration of Cohen’s use of religious themes in his work.
Recommended Citation
Lombardo, Alexander, "Leonard Cohen's New Jews: a Consideration of Western Mysticisms in Beautiful Losers" (2017). CMC Senior Theses. 1539.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/1539
Included in
Comparative Methodologies and Theories Commons, Literature in English, North America Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons
