Author Description
Peter Porter's poetry has long teased the imagination of some and spurred the delight of others. His witty, passionate, and energetic verse has made a home for itself in the minds of readers in Australia and elsewhere. This book touches on some of the wellsprings of Porter's imagination, and traces the direction of its flow. It looks both toward the salient features of poetry at any time, and towards Porter's distinctive possession of these. Steele's book assumes that while Porter's poetry finds its origins in distinctive personal experience, it is everywhere transmuted by the power of an extraordinarily original intelligence. Anyone reading Porter for the first time will find in this book cues and clues for its comprehension and enjoyment. The practiced reader of Porter, whether sympathetic or not, will find new challenges.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This work investigates the intellectual and creative foundations of Peter Porter’s poetry to determine how personal experience is transformed into original verse. Peter W. Steele, a scholar of Australian literature, utilizes a critical framework that balances the universal qualities of poetic form with the specific, idiosyncratic voice of Porter. By examining the trajectory of Porter’s career, Steele argues that the poet’s work is defined by a unique intelligence that elevates individual experience into a broader, more resonant artistic expression.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- An analysis of the thematic wellsprings and recurring motifs in Peter Porter’s body of work.
- A critical examination of the intersection between personal history and poetic technique.
- A study of the stylistic evolution of Porter’s verse within the context of Australian and international poetry.
- Interpretive cues designed to assist both new readers and seasoned scholars in navigating Porter’s complex imagery.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Critics and scholars frequently cite this volume as a primary resource for understanding the intellectual rigor behind Porter’s wit. The text is noted for its accessible yet analytical approach, making it a standard reference for those studying the development of modern Australian poetry.
Page Count:
128
Publication Date:
1993-04-08
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0195532821
ISBN-13:
9780195532821
Biography
Poetry
Literary Criticism
Australian
Australian poetry
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