Comparative Poetics - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Comparative Poetics, akin to peering through a multifaceted lens at the kaleidoscope of world literature, concerns itself with exploring poetry across linguistic, cultural, and historical boundaries. Often mistaken for a mere comparison of poetic forms, it transcends superficial analysis to delve into shared human experiences expressed in verse, investigating how societies have used poetry to understand themselves and the world. While the term "comparative literature" enjoys broader recognition, Comparative Poetics offers a specialized focus on the art and science of poetry.
Early examples can be traced back to attempts by scholars in the late 18th and early 19th centuries to understand classical Greek and Roman poetic traditions alongside emerging European vernacular literatures. Figures like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, while not explicitly using the term "Comparative Poetics," laid groundwork through their concept of Weltliteratur (world literature), urging scholars to consider literary works within a global context. This nascent field emerged in a period of intense European nationalism and colonial expansion, a backdrop often overlooked in contemporary discussions, yet crucial for understanding its initial biases and ambitions.
Over time, Comparative Poetics evolved from a Eurocentric endeavor to a more inclusive discipline, incorporating poetry from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Influential works by scholars such as Erich Auerbach, with his Mimesis (1946), demonstrated the power of comparative analysis to reveal subtle nuances in literary representation across different epochs. Yet, the field continues to grapple with questions of translation, interpretation, and the inherent challenges of comparing works born from vastly different cultural contexts. Consider, for instance, how the concept of "lyric" itself transforms when applied to poetic traditions that prioritize communal recitation and performance over individual expression. What happens when we attempt to translate not just words, but the very soul of a poem?
Today, Comparative Poetics resonates with contemporary dialogues surrounding globalization, cultural exchange, and the ongoing search for universal human values. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to foster empathy and understanding between disparate cultures, challenging us to reconsider our assumptions about art, language, and the human condition. Can a poem, truly, be a bridge between worlds?