Degree Name

MA (Master of Arts)

Program

English

Date of Award

5-2021

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Jesse Graves

Committee Members

Thomas Alan Holmes, Scott Honeycutt

Abstract

Long acknowledged as a committed poet of place, this thesis examines tones of outsiderness and alienation that characterize George Scarbrough’s poetry. Scarbrough draws on familiarity with his childhood in southeast Tennessee, and from an outsider’s outlook, a perspective veritably prompted by the rejection he suffered as a homosexual and lover of language, Scarbrough’s poetry addresses the daunting themes of fear and nothingness. Analysis of his poetry also reveals qualities of hope and endurance, a commitment to received forms, and Modern innovation. Through his poetic voice, culminating in the alter ego of Han-shan, Scarbrough provides vital insights into the human experience.

Document Type

Dissertation - embargo

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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