Damned Enlightenment A Closer Look at Hart Crane's 'Cape Hatteras' section of The Bridge, with Original Poems
Date of Award
2004
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Humanities
First Advisor
Miller, Arthur
Keywords
Crane, Hart, Poetry, Whitman, Walt
Area of Concentration
General Studies
Abstract
By 'damned enlightenment' I mean excessively acute perception of reality obtained through intentionally pursuing intensity in experience, a process both efficacious and costly. First I discuss the American poet Hart Crane and his efforts to contain and express his version of vision. Secondly, I have included pieces of my own writing that deal with the quest for vision as well, to exemplify the notion of 'damned enlightenment.' In Section One, I give a brief introduction to the life and works of Hart Crane. Section Two moves to a close reading of Crane's 'Cape Hatteras' section of his long poem The Bridge, to explore his interweaving with other poets, Wait Whitman, Edgar Allen Poe, and T.S. Eliot. This portion of the project functions less as an argument than as a collection of perspectives on Crane's works, particularly 'Cape Hatteras.' Appendix A discusses those poems of Walt Whitman specifically referenced in 'Cape Hatteras.' I have compiled information on Crane and Whitman to explain their interrelation. Appendix B then discusses how Whitman and Crane's use technology in poetry. I have included copies of poems referenced and my close readings of several of these poems. Due to the often obscure, or time-specific nature of the poem, Appendix C offers a glossary of terms used in 'Cape Hatteras.' Section Three contains original poems.
Recommended Citation
Bonfonti, Brian Lee, "Damned Enlightenment A Closer Look at Hart Crane's 'Cape Hatteras' section of The Bridge, with Original Poems" (2004). Theses & ETDs. 3350.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3350
Rights
This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.