Book Review Summary: The Givenness of Things: Essays

Introduction

"The Givenness of Things: Essays" by Marilynne Robinson is a collection of seventeen essays that explore a wide range of topics, including the human condition, faith, and the role of theology in contemporary society. Robinson, a renowned American novelist and essayist, delves into the works of great thinkers such as Calvin, Locke, and Shakespeare to offer insights into the mysteries of faith and the nature of human existence. In this book review summary, we will examine the author's background, analyze the views expressed in the essays, and discuss the reasons for recommending or not recommending this book.

About Marilynne Robinson

Marilynne Robinson is an American novelist and essayist known for her thought-provoking writing style and her ability to explore complex themes. She has received numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2005 and the National Humanities Medal in 2012. Robinson began teaching at the Iowa Writers' Workshop in 1991 and retired in the spring of 2016. Her novels, such as "Housekeeping" and "Gilead," have garnered critical acclaim for their exploration of rural life and faith. In her essays, Robinson delves into various aspects of human experience, seeking to understand the complexities of the human condition and the role of faith in shaping our lives.

Analysis of Views

1. Humanism: Robinson's essays often explore the concept of humanism, which emphasizes the importance of human values and dignity. She challenges the notion that technology and material well-being are the ultimate goals of society, arguing that we must prioritize our humanity and strive to create a world that fosters compassion and understanding.
2. Reformation: Robinson delves into the history of the Reformation, examining how it has shaped our understanding of faith and religion. She highlights the contributions of key figures such as John Calvin and Martin Luther, exploring their ideas and their impact on contemporary society.
3. Grace: Throughout her essays, Robinson emphasizes the concept of grace, which she defines as a profound sense of gratitude and humility. She argues that grace is essential to our understanding of faith and that it can transform our lives if we allow it to guide us.
4. Servanthood: Robinson explores the idea of servanthood, emphasizing the importance of putting others before ourselves. She draws on examples from history and religion to illustrate how serving others can lead to a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
5. Givenness: The title essay, "The Givenness of Things," focuses on the concept of givenness, which refers to the idea that we are given life and must respond with gratitude and humility. Robinson argues that recognizing our givenness can help us cultivate a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around us.
6. Awakening: In several essays, Robinson explores the concept of awakening, which she defines as a moment of profound insight or realization. She discusses how awakening can occur through various means, such as literature or personal experiences, and how it can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
7. Decline: Robinson also examines the theme of decline, exploring how societies can experience decline due to various factors such as materialism or loss of faith. She argues that recognizing signs of decline is essential to prevent further decay and to work towards renewal and revitalization.
8. Fear: Throughout her essays, Robinson addresses the theme of fear, which she believes is a pervasive force in contemporary society. She explores how fear can manifest in various forms, such as political fear or existential fear, and how it can influence our actions and decisions.
9. Proofs: In several essays, Robinson discusses proofs, both in the mathematical sense and in relation to faith. She examines how proofs can provide evidence for certain truths and how they can shape our understanding of reality.
10. Memory: Robinson explores the concept of memory, examining how it shapes our perceptions of the past and influences our present actions. She discusses how memory can be unreliable and how it can be shaped by personal biases and cultural narratives.
11. Value: Throughout her essays, Robinson emphasizes the importance of value, both in terms of personal values and societal values. She explores how we assign value to different things and how we can cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives.
12. Metaphysics: Robinson delves into metaphysics, exploring questions about the nature of reality and existence. She draws on various philosophical concepts to offer insights into the mysteries of existence and our place within it.
13. Theology: As a renowned novelist and essayist, Robinson's writing often touches on theological themes. In her essays, she explores various aspects of Christianity, including its history, its teachings, and its relevance to contemporary society.
14. Experience: Robinson emphasizes the importance of experience in shaping our understanding of the world around us. She discusses how personal experiences can lead to profound insights and how they can inform our beliefs and values.
15. Adam: In several essays, Robinson references Adam, both in a literal sense as the first man according to Christian tradition and as a symbol for humanity as a whole. She explores how Adam's story relates to our own experiences and how it can inform our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
16. Limitation: Robinson examines the theme of limitation, exploring how limitations can both constrain us and inspire creativity. She discusses how limitations can lead to new insights and how they can help us navigate challenges in our lives.
17. Realism: In her final essay, "Realism," Robinson reflects on the concept of realism in literature and life. She discusses how realism can be both objective and subjective, depending on our perspective and experiences. She argues that recognizing the limitations of our understanding is essential to cultivating a deeper appreciation for reality.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Thought-provoking insights: Marilynne Robinson's essays offer profound insights into various aspects of human existence, including faith, grace, servanthood, awakening, decline, fear, proofs, memory, value, metaphysics, and more. Her writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to explore these themes further.
2. Historical context: Robinson's essays delve into historical contexts such as the Reformation and examine how they have shaped our understanding of faith and religion. This historical perspective provides readers with a deeper understanding of contemporary issues related to faith and society.
3. Personal reflection: Throughout her essays, Robinson encourages readers to engage in personal reflection on their own experiences and beliefs. Her writing invites readers to ponder questions about their own lives and to consider how their beliefs shape their actions and decisions.
4. Wide range of topics: The Givenness of Things covers a broad range of topics, from literature to science to philosophy. This diversity allows readers to explore different aspects of human experience and encourages them to broaden their perspectives on life's mysteries.
5. Accessible writing style: Despite tackling complex subjects, Robinson's writing style is accessible to readers with varying levels of knowledge in these areas. Her essays are written with clarity and precision, making them accessible even for those who may not be familiar with certain concepts or historical events mentioned within them.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Limited focus: Some readers may find that The Givenness of Things focuses too narrowly on Christianity and Western religion, leaving out other religious traditions or philosophical perspectives that may be equally relevant or important to their own beliefs or experiences.
2. Slow pace: Some readers may find that certain essays in this collection move at a slower pace than they prefer or may require more effort to fully comprehend due to their depth and complexity. However, these essays are intended to provoke thoughtful reflection rather than provide quick answers or easy solutions.
3. Personal bias: As an author with strong religious convictions, some readers may perceive Marilynne Robinson's essays as biased or overly influenced by her own beliefs or experiences. While this perspective may be subjective, it is important for readers to consider their own biases when engaging with any written work that explores sensitive topics such as faith or religion.
4. Limited scope: While The Givenness of Things covers a wide range of topics related to human existence, some readers may find that certain essays do not directly address their own interests or concerns. This may result in a feeling that certain essays are less relevant or engaging for their personal reading experience.

Conclusion

"The Givenness of Things: Essays" by Marilynne Robinson offers readers a thought-provoking exploration of various aspects of human existence, including faith, grace, servanthood, awakening, decline, fear, proofs, memory, value, metaphysics, and more. Through her engaging writing style and profound insights into these themes, Robinson invites readers to engage in personal reflection on their own experiences and beliefs while providing historical context and challenging conventional perspectives on life's mysteries. While some readers may find certain essays less relevant or require more effort to fully comprehend due to their depth and complexity, those who appreciate thought-provoking literature will likely find this book rewarding for its wide range of topics covered within its pages