The Paradox of the Christian Poet: George Herbert's Problematics

The thesis examines the paradoxes in Herbert's poetry and attributes the many contradictions and vacillations within The Temple to Herbert's own "spiritual conflicts" as a Christian poet. The thesis explores the poems as interconnected expressions of Herbert's dual nature as Christian-Poet. The thesis discusses over sixty of Herbert's poems, concentrating on close readings and intratextual connections. Chapter One reviews critical approaches to Herbert's poetry and outlines the study. Chapter Two examines Herbert's life and the expression of his struggles in poetry. Chapter Three discusses Herbert's poetry itself and comments on the deceptively simplistic style. Chapter Four explores the conflict between the worlds of the Christian and the poet. Chapter Five concludes that, more than merely an artistic exercise or catechistic tool, Herbert's poetry accurately records the duality of the poet's spiritual journey.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2000

Author dc:creator

• Casey, James Edward

Contributors dc:contributor

• Wright, Eugene
• Vanhoutte, Jacqueline, 1968-
• Spiller, Elizabeth

• Herbert, George, 1593-1633 -- Criticism and interpretation.
• Herbert, George, 1593-1633 -- Religion.
• Christianity in literature.
• spiritual conflicts
• poetry
• intratextual connections
• dual nature

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Casey, James Edward
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 47365356
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2654/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc2654

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc2654