Note
Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Member of
Contributors
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Date Issued
1976
Description
A detailed analysis of Wallace Stevens' rock and statue symbols,
as they recur throughout the poet's career, reveals an intricate
chronological pattern. Such a pattern is based on Stevens'
philosophical commitment to a world of constant change and elusive
perceptual assertions. Stevens' symbols operate through a system
of meaning which is controlled and variable at the same time. Two
concepts of symbolic structure are defined: the prismatic principle,
or focal point through which all meanings are projected, and the
spectrum of import, the expansive pattern which shapes and modulates
symbolic meaning. Symbols zig-zag from abstract to concrete levels
of meaning development. Four major stages are analyzed: The Icon,
Stage 1 (1921-1935), The Statue, Stage 2 (1935-1938), The Transitional
Levels, Stage 3 (1938-1946), and The Rock, Stage 4 (1946-1950). The
paradox of co-existing pattern and flux in Stevens' symbols emerges from
his overriding dualistic uncertainties.
as they recur throughout the poet's career, reveals an intricate
chronological pattern. Such a pattern is based on Stevens'
philosophical commitment to a world of constant change and elusive
perceptual assertions. Stevens' symbols operate through a system
of meaning which is controlled and variable at the same time. Two
concepts of symbolic structure are defined: the prismatic principle,
or focal point through which all meanings are projected, and the
spectrum of import, the expansive pattern which shapes and modulates
symbolic meaning. Symbols zig-zag from abstract to concrete levels
of meaning development. Four major stages are analyzed: The Icon,
Stage 1 (1921-1935), The Statue, Stage 2 (1935-1938), The Transitional
Levels, Stage 3 (1938-1946), and The Rock, Stage 4 (1946-1950). The
paradox of co-existing pattern and flux in Stevens' symbols emerges from
his overriding dualistic uncertainties.
Language
Type
Form
Extent
95 p.
Subject (Topical)
Identifier
13830
Additional Information
Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1976.
FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Date Backup
1976
Date Text
1976
Date Issued (EDTF)
1976
Extension
FAU
FAU
admin_unit="FAU01", ingest_id="ing1508", creator="staff:fcllz", creation_date="2007-07-19 01:41:29", modified_by="staff:fcllz", modification_date="2011-01-06 13:09:05"
IID
FADT13830
Issuance
monographic
Organizations
Attributed name: Florida Atlantic University
Attributed name: Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Attributed name: Department of English
Person Preferred Name
PAU-LLOSA, RICARDO MANUEL.
Graduate College
Physical Description
95 p.
application/pdf
Title Plain
PRINCIPLES AND PRISMS: SYMBOLIC STRUCTURE IN THE POETRY OF WALLACE STEVENS
Use and Reproduction
Copyright © is held by the author, with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Origin Information
1976
monographic
Boca Raton, Fla.
Florida Atlantic University
Physical Location
Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Place
Boca Raton, Fla.
Sub Location
Digital Library
Title
PRINCIPLES AND PRISMS: SYMBOLIC STRUCTURE IN THE POETRY OF WALLACE STEVENS
Other Title Info
PRINCIPLES AND PRISMS: SYMBOLIC STRUCTURE IN THE POETRY OF WALLACE STEVENS