Prophecy in Modern Apocalyptic Literature: A Sacred Tradition

Abstract

According to Jonathon Penny, there are three modes by which we may identify apocalyptic literature: these modes are prophecy, revelation, and eschatology. Of these three, prophecy is the most important element to consider because it is the element most readily identified with that which is sacred. By examining prophecy and its various functions in Aldous Huxley's Time Must Have a Stop, William Golding's Darkness Visible, and Don DeLillo's White Noise we are better able to comprehend how prophetic presences within the latter novels affect reader perception and therefore affect the way in which we perceive and therefore receive modern apocalyptic literature.