Rebirth
From Plastic Tub
(Difference between revisions)
Revision as of 12:32, 23 May 2005
rebirth n. 1. A literal episode of being born anew, as with reincarnation. 2. metaphorical A profoundly transformative experience, often triggered by some great physical tribulation involving sensory loss as a symbolical re-wombing. Classic cases include the blinding of St. Paul; the hand burning of Paraclesus; the bodily ablation of Jesus of Nazareth; the entrapments of Toru Okada and Jessica McClure in wells; and the whale-swallowings of Jonah, Pinocchio and Grigio.
Usage
"Oh God! that man should be a thing for immortal souls to sieve through!" -- Melville. Moby-Dick.
