From Ararat to Averno: An Analysis of Plot in Louise Gluck's Poetry

Abstract

Louise GlC<ckb s last six books of poetry are held together by a plot in which the poet negotiates with a world without certainty. In these collections, there is a sustained negotiation between aspects of the lyric and the verse novel. I will argue that all six collections are coherently linked by a sustained, individual journey about survival, emotional healing, and self-renewal, in which GlC<ck is attempting to find meaning and beauty in an existence without the comfort of absolute truths. It is also a poetic journey that serves as a symbolic mirror for the readerb s own parallel, personal experiences.