Abstract

Derek Mahon’s poetical œuvre can be read as a critical reflection on man’s relation to Earth. This paper first examines how the basic elements of familiar landscapes (land, soil, earth, sea) interact, thus defining a poetic territory viewed from the sea as the prime element to which one inevitably returns. Then the poet’s ecological perspective is re-interpreted in wider geopoetic terms. Thirdly an analysis highlighting the vulnerability of an endangered earth yet able to draw out of its depths the energy to ceaselessly renew itself is carried out, focusing on the topos of the beach as a no man’s land of indeterminacy through which renewal is made possible and “rejectamenta” may access new horizons.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.