Abstract
This paper examines the complex interplay between urban spaces and individual identity in the poetry of George Szirtes through a psychogeographical reading. By analysing selected works from various decades, including “Metro,” “The Looking-Glass Dictionary,” “Meeting Austerlitz,” and “Reel” the study reveals how Szirtes articulates the significant effects of consumerism, migration, and nostalgia on both personal and collective identities. The poet’s observations of his experiences as a Hungarian immigrant in England represent the complexities of language and belonging and display the tension between the familiar and the foreign. Also, Szirtes’s poetry reflects themes of loss, memory, absurdity, and belonging, particularly in the context of cultural and social displacement and alienation. While discussing those themes, the paper employs the elements of psychogeography concerning its relationship to historical events. The paper also refers to the works of theorists such as Merlin Coverley and Guy Debord, who emphasized the emotional and psychological effects of urban landscapes on individuals. Through this evaluation, the study signifies the importance of engaging critically with our urban landscape to unveil the hidden narratives that shape our experiences within city life. Therefore, the findings offer an appreciation for the troubled stories embedded in poems and encourage a fresh connection to the spaces we inhabit.
Published Version
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