Date of Award
2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Humanities
First Advisor
Zamsky, Robert
Area of Concentration
English
Abstract
This is an investigation of the Robert Duncan and Nathaniel Mackey’s poetry, understanding their work as a part of the gnostic tradition of poetry. Through close reading of poetry and prose, it looks at the ways that their poetry seeks to go beyond the limitations of language and convey things to the reader that other mediums cannot. The process of reading and understanding these author’s work is something like a process of initiation, and that process helps to immerse the reader into their writing. This thesis looks at Robert Duncan in light of his reaction to the Vietnam War, and through his works relationship to the work of the poets H. D. and John Taggart. It looks at Nathaniel Mackey’s work and its experimental relationship to music, and through his use of musical techniques in written form.
Recommended Citation
Lough, Jake, "EXPERIMENTALISM AND THE VIETNAM WAR: THE GNOSTIC POETRY OF NATHANIEL MACKEY, ROBERT DUNCAN, AND THEIR PEERS" (2021). Theses & ETDs. 6095.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/6095