Iris Murdoch and Remorse

This exploration of the crucially important role played by remorse in Iris Murdoch’s philosophical, theological, and political thinking identifies it as a critical concept in her moral psychology and a recurrent theme in her art. Through engagement with Simone Weil, current theories of remorse, trauma theory and Holocaust studies, it offers fresh perspectives on Murdoch’s fiction – particularly the late novels, her radio play The One Alone, and her monograph Heidegger.

"Iris Murdoch and Remorse: Past Forgiving? is a major contribution to Murdoch scholarship as well as to studies of remorse. The scope and range of this work cannot be underestimated.  It provides insights into Murdoch’s wide-ranging engagement with remorse, trauma, literature, Christianity, Heidegger, the Holocaust, and mysticism. Readers will be vastly enriched by engagement with this important resource." (Nancy E. Snow, The University of Kansas, USA)

"Characters suffering from guilt, loss and remorse recur obsessively in Iris Murdoch’s fiction, yet this area of her work remains under-explored. Frances White’s impeccably researched and lucidly argued study redresses the balance. Her book deserves attention not just from readers and researchers with a special interest in one of the most original novelists and thinkers of the late twentieth century, but from anyone pondering how fiction contributes to very contemporary preoccupations with trauma, loss, and remorse." (Bran Nicol, University of Surrey, UK)

"Frances White is an outstanding Iris Murdoch scholar. She knows the details of Murdoch's life as she demonstrated in Becoming Iris Murdoch. More than that, she loves Murdoch's work, and knows too, that it is not to be dissected into bits and pieces, rather it opens up to speak to us of what matters in the human condition. Here she shows how Murdoch can help us understand remorse; its awfulness, as well as its possibilities for redemption." (Gary Browning, Oxford Brookes University, UK)

"Frances White’s study of Iris Murdoch’s reflection on remorse is superb, and it offers a much needed assessment of this important topic.  White shows how essential the concept of remorse is for understanding not only traditional Murdoch subjects like the Good, compassion, and egoism but also difficult complicated matters like the Holocaust and abortion.  White is one of the finest Murdoch scholars alive, and this volume will be essential reading for students of Murdoch and of remorse studies." (Scott H. Moore, Baylor University, USA)

Frances White is Visiting Research Fellow and Deputy Director of the Iris Murdoch Research Centre at the University of Chichester, editor of the Iris Murdoch Review and co-editor of the Iris Murdoch Today series. Her publications include Becoming Iris Murdoch (2014).