The Lyric Subject: A Reconceptualization

The Lyric Subject explores the concept of the subject in the poem, its relation to other forms of subjectivation, and its singularity, using a wide range of writings and poetic examples.

Format: Hardback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 18 March 2022
Publisher: Peter Lang AG

This book delves into the intricate exploration of the concept of the subject within the poem, situated within the broader context of literary-theoretical issues pertaining to the lyric subject. Specifically, it seeks to understand the nature of the subject in the poem, its relationship to other forms of subjectivation experienced by human beings in their daily lives, and its unique essence.

Jonathan Culler, a renowned Professor Emeritus at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, praises "The Lyric Subject" as a remarkable achievement. He applauds Varja Balzˇalorsky Antic´ for conducting a comprehensive evaluation of a diverse array of writings, including philosophical, linguistic, and literary sources, that shed light on the question of the lyric subject. Through the use of numerous poetic examples, Antic´ crafts a rich and multifaceted mapping of the diverse realms of subjectivity and agency found within the lyric.

The book begins by examining the historical and theoretical foundations of the concept of the subject in the poem. It explores the various definitions and interpretations of the subject, as well as the different approaches taken by scholars to understand its role in poetic discourse. Antic´ critically analyzes these theories and frameworks, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and proposing new perspectives that contribute to our understanding of the lyric subject.

In the subsequent chapters, Antic´ delves into the multifaceted nature of the subject in the poem. He examines the various forms of subjectivity that emerge within the lyric, including the individual subject, the collective subject, and the hybrid subject. Antic´ explores how these subjectivities are shaped by cultural, social, and historical factors, as well as by the poet's own experiences and perspectives. He also examines the ways in which the subject interacts with other entities, such as nature, society, and the self, and how these interactions shape the poem's meaning and significance.

One of the key themes of the book is the relationship between the subject and other forms of subjectivation. Antic´ explores how the lyric subject is influenced by, and interacts with, other modes of subjectivation, such as the political, economic, and social subjectivities. He examines how the lyric subject can challenge and subvert these other forms of subjectivation, as well as how it can be co-opted and appropriated by dominant ideologies and power structures.

Another important aspect of the book is the exploration of the singularity of the lyric subject. Antic´ argues that the lyric subject is unique in its ability to express and explore the complexities of human experience. He explores how the lyric subject can access and express emotions, thoughts, and experiences that are often difficult to articulate through other forms of discourse. Antic´ also examines how the lyric subject can create a sense of intimacy and connection with the reader, through its use of poetic language and imagery.

Throughout the book, Antic´ employs a rich and nuanced literary analysis to examine the various poetic examples that he discusses. He employs a range of theoretical frameworks, including psychoanalysis, feminist theory, and postcolonial theory, to interpret and analyze the poem's subjectivity and agency. Antic´ also draws on his own poetic experience to provide insights into the creative process and the challenges that poets face when writing about the subject.

In conclusion, "The Lyric Subject" is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the concept of the subject in the poem. Through its rigorous analysis of a wide range of literary and theoretical sources, Antic´ provides a rich and nuanced mapping of the various forms of subjectivity and agency found within the lyric. The book is a valuable resource for scholars and students of poetry, as well as anyone interested in the broader field of literary and theoretical studies.

Weight: 471g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783631833636
Edition number: New ed