Comment on “Literature in the new era: a study of Glück's poetic quality and its affinity with the characteristics of Chinese culture”

Menghan Zhang[1]

Commented Article: LIU, Yijun. Literature in the New Era: a study of Glück's poetic quality and its affinity with the characteristics of Chinese culture. Trans/Form/Ação: Unesp Journal of Philosophy, v. 47, n. 2 “Feminine perspectives in philosophical thought”, e0240058, 2024. Available at: https://revistas.marilia.unesp.br/index.php/transformacao/article/view/14631.

According to Liu (2024), as a contemporary German poet of global significance, Glück's literary works exemplify a distinct spirit of innovation and a penchant for experimentation, marking the advent of a new realm of poetic creation. This creative ethos finds resonance in the flourishing landscape of Chinese literature in the modern era, characterized by the emergence of exceptional works that depart from conventional styles and subjects, effectively transcending the boundaries of traditional genres. Hence, it becomes imperative to explore the impact of Glück's writings on the literature of this new era in China.

In 2016, Chinese readers were introduced to Glück’s works through the publication of Chinese translations of “The Alloy of the Moonlight” and “Until the World Reflects the Deepest Needs of the Soul in Century Cultural Landscape” (Marie, 2017, p. 26). Since then, her poetry has gradually gained traction within the literary community, resonating with poets and literary creators who are moved by the profound emotions conveyed in her verses. Glück's poetry exhibits a delicate sensitivity to emotions and a contemplation of abstract themes, such as life, death, love and sexuality. Her language is poetic and imbued with nuanced meaning.

Although Glück initially had a limited readership in China, her works received widespread recognition globally. She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for poetry in 1993 and, later, she became the 12th American poet laureate in 2003 (Zhang, 2022, p. 23). Her recent Nobel Prize win, in 2020, further highlights the excellence of her literary contributions. Through translations, Glück's poetry has made its way into the Chinese literary scene, leaving a profound and enduring impact on the creation of modern Chinese literature in the new era.

As China expands its cultural exchange with the world, Glück's works have become an important bridge between Western cultural creation and Chinese cultural exchange. The publication of “The Selected Poems of Glück”, translated and launched by Chinese poetry critics, has not only introduced aspects of Glück's life and poetic philosophy, but also deepened the understanding of the similarities and differences between Western literature and Chinese culture. These introductions have sparked extensive discussions and reactions, fostering mutual understanding between Chinese and Western cultures and facilitating folk exchanges.

The spread of Chinese culture abroad, alongside the acceptance of foreign cultures, has allowed Chinese writers to express their thoughts and cultural identities more freely and openly in their literary creations during this new era. This has further promoted the development of contemporary Chinese poetry and literature. By exploring the poetic nuances of Glück's works and analyzing their modes of transmission and adaptation in China, Chinese readers can gain a deeper appreciation of Glück's poetry and find inspiration for new paths within modern Chinese literature.

1 Glück's unique literary style

To gain a profound understanding of Glück's unique literary style, analyze the communicative status of her works, in the context of working condition, and explore the inspiration her poetic language and creations have on Chinese literature, this paper adopts innovative perspectives. The following approaches are undertaken:

Firstly, a comprehensive analysis of Glück's works is conducted, exploring their distinct characteristics, such as the fusion of confession and allusion, the utilization of new poetic styles and the nuanced language she employs (Ildikó, 2017, p. 17). The underlying factors contributing to these characteristics, including Glück's life experiences, influences from her contemporaries and her distinct female perspective, are also examined.

Secondly, the paper delves into the meanings and messages conveyed in Glück's works, with a particular focus on themes, such as life, death, love and marriage. These central themes serve as a gateway to explore the human nature’s essence, as depicted in her poetry, using specific examples to illuminate their significance.

Thirdly, an examination of the distribution data of Glück's works, in working condition, reveals that her readership primarily consists of educated adults residing in economically and culturally developed urban areas.

Fourthly, the paper outlines the insights provided by Glück's works for the development of modern Chinese literature. It explores her adept use of allusions and confessions, her innovative employment of poetic forms, and the critical role of translation and communication techniques in literary exchanges.

Lastly, by introducing an American poet, who employs mythology to convey the unique melancholy experienced by women, the paper highlights Glück's emphasis on the tension within poetic language. This emphasis contributes to her reputation and the widespread reception of her poetry in working condition.

Through the analysis of Glück's works, their characteristics and their significance, this paper facilitates a deeper exploration of their connotations, contrasting them with the characteristics of Chinese culture to examine the cultural impact arising from their collision. Furthermore, by analyzing the dissemination of Glück's works in China, the paper sheds light on their effects and influence, while examining the multifaceted ways in which Glück's works have influenced Chinese literature.

2 Poetic qualities and connotations of Glück’s works

The poetic qualities and connotations of Glück's works are rich and multifaceted, contributing to her distinct literary voice and the impact of her poetry. Through her unique style and exploration of various themes, Glück's works possess several noteworthy qualities and connotations.

Firstly, Glück's poetry is characterized by its introspective and reflective nature. Her works often delve into the depths of human emotions and experiences, offering profound insights into the life’s complexities. She skillfully navigates the inner landscapes of her subjects, conveying their innermost thoughts and feelings with lyrical precision. This introspection gives her poetry a contemplative and introspective quality, inviting readers to engage with the deeper aspects of their own existence.

Secondly, Glück's use of language is meticulous and nuanced. Her poetic language is both evocative and concise, allowing her to capture complex emotions and ideas with brevity and precision. She employs vivid imagery and metaphors, creating powerful and resonant poetic landscapes. Through her careful choice of words and precise phrasing, Glück brings forth layers of meaning and connotations, inviting readers to explore the profound depths of her poetry.

Glück's works often explore universal themes, such as love, loss, mortality and the search for meaning. Her poems offer nuanced perspectives on these subjects, challenging conventional notions and offering fresh insights. She approaches these themes with sensitivity and intellectual rigor, inviting readers to question their own assumptions and delve into the life’s deeper existential questions. Moreover, Glück's poetry often exhibits a sense of musicality and rhythm. Her use of poetic forms and structures, such as sonnets or tercets, adds a musical quality to her works, enhancing the reading experience. The careful crafting of her verses creates a rhythmic flow, engaging the reader on both an intellectual and sensory level. Additionally, Glück's works often allude to mythology, literature and historical events. These allusions add layers of depth and intertextuality to her poetry, expanding the scope of meaning and connotations. Through these references, Glück establishes connections between the present and the past, weaving together different cultural and historical threads.

At last, Glück's works possess poetic qualities that are marked by introspection, nuanced language, exploration of universal themes, musicality and intertextuality. These qualities contribute to the connotations of her poetry, inviting readers to engage with profound emotions, contemplate existential questions and explore the complexities of the human experience. Glück's poetry offers a unique and resonant voice within the literary landscape, leaving a lasting impact on readers and the field of contemporary poetry.

References

ILDIKÓ, P. V. Cultural Dimensions of Poetry Translation. Acta Universitatis Sapientiae Philologica, v. 8, p. 17-29, 2017.

LIU, Y. Literature in the New Era: a study of Glück's poetic quality and its affinity with the characteristics of Chinese culture. Trans/Form/Ação: Unesp Journal of Philosophy, v. 47, n. 2 “Feminine perspectives in philosophical thought”, e0240058, 2024. Available at: https://revistas.marilia.unesp.br/index.php/transformacao/article/view/14631.

MARIE, O. The Mosaic prestige, A Reading of “Day Without Night” by Louise Glück. Revue Franaise D Etudes Américaines, v. 150, p. 26-31, 2017.

ZHANG, T. Cultural Mission and International Communication of Chinese Documentaries. International Communication of Chinese Culture, v. 9, p. 23-30, 2022.

Received: 05/09/2023 - Approved: 11/09/2023 – Published: 27/02/2024

Notes

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Ph. D. School of Communication, Soochow University. Suzhou, 215031- China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0621-773X. E-mail: mhzhang@suda.edu.cn.

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