From Solipsism to Sacramental Vision: A Study of Robert Penn Warrens Poems as Cultural Memoirs
A dissertation submitted to the Department of English, Annamalai University, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in English
By R. Suresh Kumar
Department of English Annamalai (Emblem) University Annamalainagar-608002 August 2011
Dr. K. Rajaraman
Associate Professor of English Department of English Annamalai University
Annamalai University
Annamalainagar August 2011
Certificate
Certified that this dissertation, From Solipsism to Sacramental Vision: A Study of Robert Penn Warrens Poems as Cultural memoirs, submitted by the candidate, Mr. R. Suresh Kumar, for the Ph.D. Degree, is a bona fide record of his research work done by him under my supervision during his period of study at Annamalai University for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in English, and that it has not previously formed the basis for the award of any degree, diploma, associateship, or any other similar title, and that it is an independent work done by him.
Place: Date: Dr.K. Rajaraman Research Advisor
Declaration
I hereby declare that the thesis, From Solipsism to Sacramental Vision: A Study of Robert Penn Warrens Poems as Cultural Memoirs, submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in English is my original work and the thesis has not formed the basis for the award of any diploma, associateship, or any other similar title. It has not been submitted to any other university or institution for the award of any degree or diploma.
Annamalainagar August 2011
Signature of the scholar (R. Suresh Kumar)
Acknowledgements
The writing of this dissertation has involved the contribution of my well-wishers to whom I am deeply indebted, and I wish to thank them for their valuable support. This study has materialized through the scholarly supervision of Dr. K. Rajaraman, Associate Professor of English, Annamalai University, whose diligent scrutiny, timely suggestions, and unstinted cooperation and support, were a great source of inspiration to me to write this thesis. I am greatly indebted to him for his encouragement. I thank Dr. M. Anbanandam, Professor and Head, Department of English, Annamalai University, and Mr. T. Marimuthu, Head, English Wing, Directorate of Distance Education, Annamalai University for their kind and considerate words which kept me focused in research. I record my hearfelt thanks to Dr. S. B. Nageswara Rao, Director, Directorate of Distance Education, Annamalai University, for the benevolent gestures that he has shown to me for the successful completion of my thesis. I feel greatly indebted to Dr. F. Abdul Rahim, formerly Professor and Head, Department of English, Annamalai University, for initiating me into research, and for his valuable suggestions. I thank the Librarians of the American Center Library, Chennai, Osmania University Center for International Programs, Hyderabad, the English Department Library, the General Library (Regular Campus), and the General Library (DDE Campus), Annamalai University, for providing me with all the needed resources to pursue my research. I thank my parents, wife, son, and my friends, for their cooperation during the period of my research. I thank the Almighty God who has blessed me with the time and space to accommodate my academic interests.
Abstract
Name: Institution: Title of Study: Pages of Study: Purpose of Study: Major Field: R. Suresh Kumar Annamalai University From Solipsism to Sacramental Vision: A Study ..Cultural Memoirs. 247 Doctor of Philosophy in English English
Scope and Method of Study:
The purpose of this study is to analyze the poetry of Robert Penn Warren, and trace the linear progression of his poems at the thematic level, adopting a historic and diachronic approach. In the process, the study traces the movement of the Warren protagonists from solipsism to sacramental vision. The study attempts to position Warren in the mainstream of the writers of the American tradition, and also observes the southern crosscurrent of his writings. The study focuses on his belief in the orthodox Christian legacy and the conservative attitude of the south which significantly contributes to his poetic mind, and the poetic postulates evolved by him.
Findings and Conclusion:
The study analyzes the efforts of the author in understanding the meaning and significance of the world, through his allegiance to orthodox Christian legacy, and his belief in the conservative attitude which is typical of a southern writer. The study, chronologically analyzing his poems at the thematic level, traces the movement of the protagonists from solipsism to sacramental vision, which, is a poetic postulate that they frame to revert mankind from its fallen state to the primal innocence and joyousness of nature.
Table of Contents Acknowledgement
I am extremely thankful to Dr.M. Anbanandam, Professor and Head, Department of English, for his constant encouragement and moral support which enabled me to complete my study successfully. It is with real pleasure, I extend my deep-felt gratitude and sincere thanks to my Research Advisor, Dr.K. Palaniyappan, Professor of English, Department of English, Annamalai University, for having encouraged me to work on the topic of my own choice and also for his patient and systematic guidance. I am very much indebted to Dr.K. Muthuraman, Associate Professor of English, Annamalai University, for his enthusiasm in encouraging me to finish the dissertation in time. I am thankful to all teaching and non-teaching members of the Department of English, Annamalai University, who in one way or other helped me during my research period. I wish to acknowledge my indebtedness to my wife Mrs. R. Kavitha and my daughter R. Nithu Mohan, whose enthusiastic support and constant encouragement enabled me to complete this study.
