The Role of Interlocutors in Pilgrimage Narratives: Sarah Gingerich

    Dr. Redick’s paper titled “Audience and Text as Inter/IntraSubjective Interlocutor in Pilgrimage Narratives” was very interesting to me, and I enjoyed it when we discussed it in class as well! I think the phenomenology of pilgrimage, and the assertion that the spiritual journey involves narrating experiences to find meaning related to being, becoming, and belonging, is impactful. When a pilgrim’s meaningful action is interrupted by another, seemingly out of nowhere, the confusion or awe that occurs drives the pilgrim towards authorship. In trying to articulate “meaning,” the pilgrim discovers the audience and engages in some sort of narration with interlocutors who contribute to the story, rather than just delivering a monologue.

    I think narration of these journeys is really important, and just as important is the renarration of these journeys. Dialoguing with different interlocutors allows the pilgrim to process the initial overwhelming event and achieve a fuller understanding and sense of belonging. Even re-narrating these journeys throughout one’s life would be impactful, because there are things that one can realize in the retelling that they never thought of before. 

    Something I have really appreciated about this class is Dr. Redick and the guest speakers in this class sharing their journeys with us, and us as the students getting to act as interlocutors. It’s cool to reflect on what Dr. Redick and others have experienced this way!


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