Counterpoetics of Modernity: On Irish Poetry and Modernism

This study explores the traits of Irish poetic modernism in nineteenth-century responses to Ireland's colonial modernity, highlighting the need to find formal means to engage with historical conditions. It discusses major Irish contemporary poets and their innovative impetus as a counterpoetics of modernity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This comprehensive study explores the rich and complex relationship between contemporary Irish poetry and the major debates and concerns of European and American poetics. David Lloyd delves into the fascinating trajectory of Irish poetic modernism, tracing its evolution from fragmentation to the suspicion of representation in nineteenth-century responses to the rapid and unsettling effects of Ireland's precocious colonial modernity. Through meticulous analysis, Lloyd argues that Irish poetry's inventiveness arises from the urgent need to find formal means to engage with historical conditions that challenge the traditional certainties of cultural continuity, identity, and aesthetic or personal autonomy. Rather than pursuing poetic innovation for its own sake, Irish poetry emerges as a powerful counterpoetics of modernity, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

The book begins with insightful chapters on the works of Mangan and Yeats, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the contemporary Irish poetic landscape. It then delves into detailed discussions of Trevor Joyce, Maurice Scully, and Catherine Walsh, three major Irish contemporary poets who have previously received limited attention in book-length studies. These chapters provide a comprehensive analysis of their artistic approaches, thematic concerns, and historical influences, shedding light on their contributions to the evolving discourse of Irish poetry.

Through its interdisciplinary approach, this study offers a fresh and insightful perspective on contemporary Irish poetry. It engages with a wide range of theoretical frameworks, including postcolonialism, feminist theory, and postmodernism, to unravel the complex web of cultural and historical factors that shape Irish poetry. By examining the ways in which Irish poets navigate the challenges of modernity, the book highlights their commitment to exploring the human condition, social justice, and the complexities of identity.

In conclusion, this study is a valuable contribution to the field of literary criticism, providing a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of contemporary Irish poetry in dialogue with global poetics. It offers readers a deeper understanding of the innovative and challenging nature of Irish poetry, its historical roots, and its ongoing relevance in the contemporary world. By exploring the complex interplay between tradition and modernity, this book opens up new avenues for interpretation and appreciation of Irish poetry, making it a must-read for scholars, students, and anyone with an interest in contemporary literature.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474489805
Edition number: 85,219 ed.