The Political Relevance of Dun Karm, the National Poet of Malta: A Stand beyond Partisanship

Oliver Friggieri

doi:10.22158/wjssr.v6n2p190

Abstract

<em>The role played by Dun Karm, Malta’s national poet, in the gradual reconstruction of Malta’s claim of being a nation, far trascends the strict confines of poetry in particular, and of literature in general. His ability in fusing into one unique whole the Semitic and the Latin components of Maltese identity transcended politics and managed to establish in a relatively short span of time a sound vision of the island as worthy of achieving independence, and eventually of being recognised by all nations as a republic. This account seeks to identify the influence on political parties exerted by Dun Karm through his works and of proposing a vision of Malta which naturally integrated the Semitic and the Latin segments.</em>

Highlights

The role played by Dun Karm, Malta’s national poet, in the gradual reconstruction of Malta’s claim of being a nation, far trascends the strict confines of poetry in particular, and of literature in general
By the early twenties of the last century Dun Karm had already acquired national recognition. He firmly resented involving himself in politics he did get somewhat embroiled in the political debate of the day when he decided to start writing in Maltese
The newly elected Prime Minister invited Dun Karm to his office and asked him to write for him an appeal to the Maltese people in Italian, which could be translated into English and Maltese

Summary

Introduction

The role played by Dun Karm, Malta’s national poet, in the gradual reconstruction of Malta’s claim of being a nation, far trascends the strict confines of poetry in particular, and of literature in general. Dun Karm interpreted contemporary Malta through the apparently imaginative revival of long gone historical phases, mainly the shipwreck of St. Paul in 60 A.D., the presence of the Order of Saint John (1530-1798), and the uprising of the Maltese against the French (1798-1800).

Results

Conclusion