Access to the Inaccessible: Reflections of Mythical Allusions in Contemporary Poetry

S.G.Mohanraj; Dr.U.Sumathy

Volume : VI, Issue : IV, April - 2016

Access to the Inaccessible: Reflections of Mythical Allusions in Contemporary Poetry

S. G. Mohanraj, Dr. U. Sumathy

Abstract :

Myth forms the basis of literature through which morality and social justice are being explained. Myths are older than any language or religion in the world and its themes are universal. Ecopoets like W. S. Merwin, Gary Snyder and Wendell Berry revere mythology by celeating the primitive cultures of man. Merwin creates new myths and adapts established myths to his own purposes and this provides his sense of experience directly to the readers. Gary Snyder evokes ancient civilization blessed by self–awareness and prehistoric Biblical rituals in his poetry. To Wendell Berry, myths in his writings express the fundamental truths of man’s part in the natural order. He emphasizes that man is the creator of both good and evil in this world and maintaining a good relationship with natural elements is indispensable. Admiration for primitive cultures stands as a common factor among the three poets.