In Stellations

Identifier

etd-04162010-123309

Degree

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Department

English

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

This thesis attempts to critique the image of the poet as ‘inspired being.’ Instead, I present two long serial poems that suggest a poetics of obsession, using Obsessive Compulsive Disorder as a running metaphor for the work of the poet. This is done, in part, by inverting the Orpheus myth (Eurydice is trying to find Orpheus) and by transforming the sacred rituals of Orphism (an ancient Greek cult that believed the grievous cycle of reincarnation could be broken through ritual) into mundane and perhaps meaningless repetition (both of actions and words). Like OCD, these poems relentlessly fidget and repeat in an attempt to avoid some looming and abstract threat; in so doing, this thesis questions poetic inspiration and meaning—is it genuine, or merely a conditioned response?

Date

2010

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Secure the entire work for patent and/or proprietary purposes for a period of one year. Student has submitted appropriate documentation which states: During this period the copyright owner also agrees not to exercise her/his ownership rights, including public use in works, without prior authorization from LSU. At the end of the one year period, either we or LSU may request an automatic extension for one additional year. At the end of the one year secure period (or its extension, if such is requested), the work will be released for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Mullen, Laura K.

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.3186

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