“I Myself is a Hell”: Self-Criticism in the Poetry of Robert Lowell
Hanaa Khlaif
Al-Mustansiriyah University, College of Arts
Hussein Kadhum Ghallab
Al-Mustansiriyah University/ College of Arts
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25130/jls.3.4.21
Keywords: -Lowell, -self-criticism, -poetry, -self-improvement
Abstract
Self-Criticism as a „process of looking and judging [one‟s] faults and weaknesses‟ is a highly recommended and laudable practice that aims at self-improvement and self-betterment. In his poetry, Robert Lowell, is engaged in a life-long process of criticizing and digging de ep into his actions and behaviors. This paper is an exploration of self-criticism as a value and practice in selected poems by Lowell. It argues that although Lowell‟s engagement in this practice does not result in overcoming his personal sense of frustration and betterment, it does contribute to maturing his poetic output.
