Contemporary Greek Poetry as World Literature

Ritwik Ghosh

doi:10.47631/ijecls.v2i3.247

Abstract

In this paper, I argue that Greek poetry is a living tradition characterized by a diversity of voices and styles and that Greek poetry is a vital part of contemporary World Literature. The diversity of voices in contemporary Greek poetry gives it both aesthetic value and political relevance. Greek poetry, as it survives translation into a number of languages, including English, gives us a model for the successful translation of texts in both World literature and Comparative literature. A thematic analysis of some poems is presented in this paper. The aim is not to chronicle the contemporary Greek poetic production but to show how Greek poetic tradition continues to expand beyond national boundaries.

Highlights

In this paper I argue that Greek poetry is a living tradition characterized by a diversity of voices and styles and that Greek poetry is a vital part of contemporary World Literature
World literature is today a thriving enterprise with texts read across national boundaries, in an international context, with readers reading literary texts in translations
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was the first person to formulate the concept of world literature, remarking that “National literature is a rather unmeaning term; the epoch of world literature is at hand, and everyone must strive to hasten its approach”

Summary

Introduction

I argue that contemporary Greek poetry by surviving translation, and being read as literature in translation has become a vital part of world literature. In this paper I argue that contemporary Greek poetry is a vital part of World literature, since it is characterized by a diversity of voices and styles. The poems of Angelos Sikelianos (1884-1951) such as ‘On Acrocorinth’ and ‘The First Rain’ celebrate the sensual grandeur of nature and the diversity and power of the human senses. The poem ‘The Meaning of Simplicity’ celebrates the meeting of hands.

Results

Conclusion