거울 속의 페르소나 ―루이스 그릭의 부정적 자아

Abstract

This study aims to provide an analysis of Louise Glück’s negative self by first examining the implementation of the persona in her poems “The Mirror” and “Mirror Image.” Furthermore, it analyzes the poem “The Empty Glass” to show how the poetic speaker, referred to as “I,” is against solipsistic immersion and engages in conflict with external factors, including culture, destiny, uncontrollable forces, and the collective. Glück’s poetry is often mistakenly perceived as primarily concerned with lyrical pain. However, beneath its surface, her work delves into profound reflections on Western, particularly American, culture, the interplay between the individual and the collective, and the notion of a renewed self. While Glück’s speaker may initially appear highly personal, embodying a lyrical self, it consistently explores various conditions under which the negative self should work for a better life. “The Empty Glass” serves as a clear illustration of Glück’s approach to the poetic self in conjunction with the collective. Towards the conclusion of the poem, the speaker adopts a stance reminiscent of what Agamemnon should have expressed: “I have nothing.” By rejecting “what ... we have to appease the great forces,” the speaker finds a unique path forward. This suggests that if collective knowledge is merely a deception, then perhaps the solution lies in acknowledging our lack. The state of ‘having nothing’ can be viewed as an expression of the will to embark on a fresh start rather than a form of surrender. By shedding light on Glück’s exploration of the negative self, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of her poetry, revealing its multifaceted engagement with broader socio-cultural concerns and the complexities of the human experience.