Poetry - Classic Text | Alexandria
Among C. S. Lewis's lesser-known works, his essay "Poetry" stands as a profound meditation on the nature and purpose of poetic expression, originally published in "Rehabilitations and Other Essays" (1939). This seminal text emerged during a pivotal period in Lewis's academic career at Oxford University, marking a significant contribution to literary criticism and the philosophy of artistic expression.
The essay's genesis can be traced to Lewis's intense engagement with both medieval literature and contemporary poetic theory, reflecting his unique position as both a scholar of ancient texts and a modern literary critic. Written in the interwar period, when modernist poetry was reaching its zenith, the text offers a counterpoint to prevailing artistic trends while drawing deeply from classical and medieval poetic traditions.
In this work, Lewis challenges conventional approaches to poetry criticism, arguing that poetry's primary function is not mere self-expression but rather the communication of experience itself. He develops a sophisticated theory of poetic language, suggesting that genuine poetry transforms ordinary words into vessels of direct experience, enabling readers to perceive reality in new and profound ways. The essay's revolutionary aspect lies in its rejection of both purely romantic and strictly formalist interpretations of poetry, proposing instead a middle way that honors both technical mastery and experiential truth.
The influence of "Poetry" continues to reverberate through contemporary literary discourse, particularly in discussions about the relationship between form and meaning in poetic works. Modern scholars frequently return to Lewis's insights when examining the intersection of language, experience, and artistic creation. The essay's enduring relevance lies not only in its theoretical framework but also in its practical implications for how we read and understand poetry.
This work remains particularly intriguing for its synthesis of medieval poetic theory with modern literary concerns, demonstrating Lewis's remarkable ability to bridge historical periods and philosophical traditions. Its continued study reveals new layers of meaning and application, making it an essential text for understanding both Lewis's literary philosophy and the broader question of poetry's role in human experience.