Encounters with Paul Celan's Poetry: The Other's Time

Encounters with Paul Celan's Poetry: The Other's Time explores the idea that every real encounter is in memory of a poetic encounter, engaging in textual and intellectual dialogue with philosophers who read Celan.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

Encounters with Paul Celan's Poetry: The Other's Time is a captivating exploration of the multifaceted relationship between poetry, its readers, and the other it seeks to encounter. Celan's assertion that every genuine encounter, every true encounter, takes place in the memory of the poetic encounter, holds profound significance. This book offers meticulous close readings of a diverse range of poems, engaging in textual and intellectual dialogue with philosophers who have delved into Celan's work or have been influenced by his writings, including renowned figures such as Jacques Derrida, Werner Hamacher, Edmund Husserl, Hans-Georg Gadamer, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty.

In the opening chapter, the author delves into the concept of poetry as a mode of encountering the other, emphasizing the transformative power of poetic language. They explore how poetry can create a space for the encounter between the self and the unknown, allowing for the exploration of the depths of the human experience. The author also discusses the role of the reader in the poetic encounter, highlighting the importance of active engagement and interpretation.

The subsequent chapters present close readings of various poems by Paul Celan, each offering a unique perspective on the themes and motifs that permeate his work. The author analyzes the language, imagery, and structure of these poems, drawing upon the insights of the philosophers mentioned earlier to shed light on their philosophical implications. Through this dialogue, the reader gains a deeper understanding of Celan's poetic vision and the philosophical frameworks that inform it.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the concept of memory and its role in shaping our encounters with the other. Celan emphasizes the importance of the poetic encounter as a means of remembering the other, both in its physical presence and in its absence. The author discusses how poetry can evoke the memory of lost loved ones, historical events, or even the natural world, allowing us to connect with the past and the present in a meaningful way.

Another theme that emerges is the relationship between poetry and philosophy. The author argues that poetry and philosophy share a common goal of understanding the human experience and the nature of reality. They explore how poetry can provide insights into philosophical questions and how philosophy can enrich our understanding of poetry. Through this interplay, the book offers a unique perspective on the intersection of poetry and philosophy, highlighting the ways in which they can complement and enhance each other.

Throughout the book, the author employs a rich and evocative language that allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the poetic world of Paul Celan. The close readings are accompanied by insightful commentary and analysis, providing a deeper understanding of the themes and motifs that underpin Celan's work. The book also includes a bibliography is a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of Paul Celan's poetry and its philosophical implications.

In conclusion, Encounters with Paul Celan's Poetry: The Other's Time is a captivating exploration of the multifaceted relationship between poetry, its readers, and the other it seeks to encounter. Through close readings of various poems and engaging dialogue with philosophers who have delved into Celan's work, the book offers a rich and nuanced understanding of Celan's poetic vision and the philosophical frameworks that inform it. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the depths of the human experience and the power of poetry to connect us with the other.

Weight: 631g
Dimension: 229 x 160 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793632555