Hello.

I am a writer in Canada researching the subject of eulogies for an in-depth
essay to be written as part of a creative non-fiction/cultural journalism
writing program at the Banff Centre for the Arts in Alberta, Canada.

My interest in this subject stems partly from having delivered several
eulogies myself, and being struck with the question of what, really, they
are for‹what is it we're hoping to achieve in speaking, in a formal, public
way, about a person after they've died?

There are simple and obvious answers to this question, but I don't think
they really get at the truth. For example, we could say we're simply trying
to evoke their memory or their presence. Well, this could be done chatting
with friends and sharing stories, or simply remembering quietly on one's
own. There is something about the deliberateness of speaking aloud at this
time that strikes me.

Also, as a writer of poetry, fiction and theatrical drama I am also
interested in the eulogy as a unique (and rather overlooked) literary form
that contains possibilities and restrictions very different from other forms
of writing.

I have been in contact with Jenny Hockey, a professor at the University of
Hull. She suggested I query this list for anyone with any particular
interest or expertise in the subject.

I am looking for thoughts as well as concrete information on issues such as:

-the origin of the eulogy as a "death rite." How far back does it go?
-the use of the eulogy in funeral services and how that may have changed, or
be changing: is it more common now that family members or friends speak of
the deceased, as opposed to the priest/minister etc. being the sole speaker?
-to what extent eulogies are common in, accepted by, or shunned by various
cultures and religions. Is the eulogy primarily a "Western" thing?
-their true purpose (and what they tend to achieve in reality)
-the character and personality of the "eulogizer": who are the people who
volunteer for or are trusted with this job and why? How does it affect them?

If anyone has any knowledge or thoughts on these questions, please respond
via the list or contact me by email: [log in to unmask]

Thanks very much for any help or ideas you can offer!

Sincerely,

Anita Lahey