Abstract

The investigation in this article comprises the analysis of a poem by the Flemish author Hugo Claus, namely "De regenkoning". It is one of the poems in a sequence entitled "De ingewijde" (The initiated) which forms part of his volume of poetry "De Oostakkerse Gedichten” (1955). These poems are extremely esoteric and an attempt is made here to “decode” the "hidden mysteries” in this particular poem. Claus’ method of using a kind of secret language corresponds to a basic feature of (universal) initiation ceremonies, namely that everything that takes place is shrouded in secrecy. It was found that the nucleus of traditional initiations, namely sexual and mental maturation, likewise form a fundamental characteristic in Claus’ poem. Yet his "neophyte” is not (re)born into a "new” (sacred) world, but initiated into the broken (profane) realities of modern society.

Highlights

  • These poems are extremely esoteric and an attempt is made here to “decode” the "hidden mysteries” in this particular poem

  • The investigation in this article comprises the analysis of a poem by the Flemish author Hugo Claus, namely "De regenkoning"

  • Claus’ method of using a kind of secret language cor­ responds to a basic feature of initiation ceremo­ nies, namely that everything that takes place is shrouded in secrecy

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Summary

Introduction

These poems are extremely esoteric and an attempt is made here to “decode” the "hidden mysteries” in this particular poem. Neem mens verder in ag dat dit direk verband hou met die onweerstaanbare vrouw, kan die onderhuid ook beskou word as die setel van die seksueie, meer bepaaid die manlike seksuele wat geen weerstand teen die vrou kan bied nie.

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