The Laughter at the Heart of Things: Selected Essays

These essays explore the nature of feminine and masculine psychology and the role of story and myth in human culture, and offer insight into the spiritual meaning within modern and classical literature. Several previously unpublished essays are collected here — including an analysis of two of Shakespeare's greatest plays, "The Merchant of Venice" and "Antony and Cleopatra." The title essay reflects on the vital importance of a sense of humor on the spiritual road to freedom and joy. Laughter at the Heart of Things combines Christian spirituality with Jungian psychology to discuss the importance of openly and consciously facing the suffering that is part of being human.