Ambivalent, as both the profundity of the depth and as abasement and inferiority.
Often a symbol of the uncertainty of childhood, the abyss may also represent
indefinte depths or heights and is closely associated with evolution, both individual
and universal. "Man has to confront his personal abyss at least four times in
a lifetime, that is, he has to reconsider his convictions and question his motives
in order to achieve maturity (the four ages of man)" (Julien, 5).
Also associated with the 'land of the dead' and the underworld, often Hell,
and is identified as the place to which departed spirits might be cast.
Up one level
Back to document index