Classical Presences in Irish Poetry after 1960: The Answering Voice

This book explores the influence of classical presences in Anglophone Irish poetry after 1960, highlighting the evolution of Irish poetic engagements with Greece and Rome. It outlines a movement that has transformed Irish poetry and accompanied its transition from a postcolonial to a transnational model.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 219 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book offers a groundbreaking exploration into the rich tapestry of classical influences in Anglophone Irish poetry after 1960. Through in-depth examinations of renowned poets such as Seamus Heaney, Michael Longley, Derek Mahon, and Eavan Boland, along with close readings of their key works, it sheds light on the remarkable evolution of Irish poetic engagements with Greece and Rome over the past sixty years. The book delineates the contours of a transformative literary movement that has profoundly shaped Irish poetry and accompanied its transition from a postcolonial to a transnational paradigm. It traces the gradual emergence of classical adaptations in the poets' works, beginning with their early attempts to establish their unique voices and evolving into a proliferation of such adaptations since the late 1980s. These adaptations have emerged not only in response to personal and political crises, particularly in Northern Ireland, but also as expressions of the poets' deep connections with European and other foreign literatures.

The book delves into the intricate interplay between Irish poetic traditions and classical sources, highlighting how the poets have reimagined and reinterpreted ancient myths, legends, and narratives to reflect their own experiences and cultural contexts. It explores the ways in which classical themes and motifs have been employed to convey complex ideas, evoke emotions, and create a sense of timelessness and universality in the poetry. Through its meticulous analysis, the book provides a valuable contribution to the study of Irish literature and culture, shedding light on the enduring legacy of classical influences on contemporary writing.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the rich intersection of classical heritage and contemporary poetry. It offers a comprehensive and insightful perspective on the evolution of Irish poetic engagements with Greece and Rome, showcasing the profound impact of classical traditions on the shaping of modern Irish literature.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 277 x 313 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783319885674
Edition number: Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2018