A Devil on the other.
This is a convention seen often in popular culture.
I couldn't stop myself from thinking of this when we discussed the philosophy of Emmanuel Swedenborg. Although quite the musing of a representation of his attitude on the supernatural, it bears resemblance just the same. Although the image lacks the duplicity of the angel and the demons which follow each person, the idea is there.
Yet there are great difference between these as well. The angel/devil on the shoulder often represent one's conscience. This is mirrored, to an extent, that a person's demon take the form of their vice, yet speaks nothing to the power of choice. Not directly at least. Because the angel/devil shoulders represent conscience and choice, a person can have a 'conversation' with one or both figures and the figures also interact with one another, generally in the form of bickering. This type of interaction is not normal for Swedenborg's thoughts of a person's own angels and demons.
This made me think though. Where has this idea of an angel and a demon sitting to your right and left derived from? It seems to have similar bases in Swedenborgian philosophy although it violates certain restraints as well. Maybe this representation has been passed down and popularized by making it seem a little more comical and realistic, and a bit less intimidating and dark.
Although I am sure that no one can truly the trace the origins of this popular idiom in television, theatre, and more, one can see the resemblances, if nothing else. I am not trying to say that this is a direct line from Swedenborg himself to any playwright, director, or producer, but it is just a thought all the same.
1 comment:
I'll admit, this is the first thing that popped into my mind as well when the topic was brought up in class. It's likely that there's some connection, right? It would make sense if one were to find out that this popular image is simply a tgype os chareracture/misinterpretation of Swedenbourg's idea.
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